See how exclusions change two bids. Then compare your own numbers and record the scope in one worksheet.
Illustrative worked example · These are invented teaching prices, not SCS quotes, local price estimates or prices for the photographed project.
Example: a 30 × 20-foot driveway replacement.
Same 600.00 ft² footprint in both bids.
The starting prices leave out part of the story. See what happens when the excluded work is added.
In this example, both bids cover the same placement and finish. Bid A excludes two items that Bid B includes. Add those items before comparing the totals.
| What is in the price? | Bid A | Bid B |
|---|---|---|
| Starting bidSame footprint, placement and finish | $7,200.00 | $8,400.00 |
| Remove & dispose of existing concrete | $900.00Excluded; example addition | Included |
| Base preparation | $600.00Excluded; example addition | Included |
| Other additions to Bid BEnter any other priced exclusions | — | $0.00 |
| Total with listed additions | $8,700.00 | $8,400.00 |
| Compared total per square foot | $14.50/ft² | $14.00/ft² |
$7,200 + $900 removal + $600 base preparation = $8,700. Bid B totals $8,400, which is $300 lower. This prices the listed additions; it does not rate workmanship or resolve the remaining scope.
Use amounts from your written estimates. This model assumes Bid A excludes removal and base preparation and Bid B includes them. Enter zero where no addition is needed. An unknown amount needs clarification before you can compare it.
Load the worked example or use this blank worksheet for up to three contractors. Replace the example with the scope and amounts in your written bids.
Blank fields do not mean included. Request written clarification for missing scope. This worksheet does not specify the design or construction requirements for your property.
Worksheet entries stay in this tab. Download or print them before closing. Only the summary you choose carries into the estimate form. Anonymous usage counts contain fixed action categories, not your amounts or notes. Privacy details.
1. Align the scope Give each contractor the same dimensions, use, and requested work.
2. Record differences Write “excluded” where the estimate excludes work. Do not treat blanks as included.
3. Clarify in writing Resolve allowances and unanswered questions before selecting a proposal.
Blank fields are for your project notes.
| Scope item | Contractor A | Contractor B | Contractor C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measured area & intended useRecord dimensions, square feet, use, and what is included in the measured area. | |||
| Demolition & removalIdentify existing material, removal limits, hauling, and disposal. | |||
| ExcavationCompare excavation depth, unsuitable-soil handling, and allowance limits. | |||
| Base & compactionRecord specified base material, depth, preparation, and compaction scope. | |||
| Drainage & elevationsIdentify planned slopes, finished elevations, tie-ins, and drainage work. |
| Scope item | Contractor A | Contractor B | Contractor C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness & concrete mixRecord specified slab thickness and concrete mix requirements for the project. | |||
| ReinforcementIdentify the specified reinforcement, placement, and any exclusions. | |||
| JointsRecord joint layout, joint type, and how existing structures are separated. | |||
| Access & placementIdentify truck access, pumping or other placement needs, and site protection. | |||
| FinishCompare finish, texture, color, edges, and any sample or selection process. |
| Scope item | Contractor A | Contractor B | Contractor C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curing & load releaseRecord the curing method and who provides written guidance for use and loading. | |||
| Permits & inspectionsIdentify responsibility, included fees, and any required inspections. | |||
| Cleanup & restorationDefine debris removal, lawn or landscape repair, and final cleanup. | |||
| Changes, payment & warrantyCompare written change-order procedure, payment terms, and warranty terms/exclusions. | |||
| Total & excluded workRecord the written total, allowances, exclusions, and quote expiration. No assumed quantities. |
Carry a short summary into your estimate request, or contact us without one.
Review the short summary below. It travels to the estimate form in this tab, where you choose whether to add it to your notes. Nothing is sent until you submit that form.
Compare the work first, add confirmed exclusions, and keep unpriced conditions separate. A lower starting price is only useful when the proposals cover the same job.
ILLUSTRATIVE TEACHING CASE — fictional proposals, prices and specifications; not SCS pricing, an offer or a construction design. The dimensions, mix, reinforcement, terms and allowances below make the comparison concrete; they are not recommendations for your property or specifications for the photographed SCS project.
$7,200
Place and finish the new driveway to the shared example schedule. Existing-concrete removal and aggregate base are excluded. The owner must arrange those items or approve additions.
All other example scope and terms are recorded in the full comparison below.
$8,400
Complete the same driveway schedule. Removal, hauling, disposal and aggregate base are included. The same unsuitable-soil, new-drain and pumping exclusions remain.
Neither proposal is a promise that unknown site work will cost zero.
In this fictional case, advance Bid B to the contract review: the clarified scope and terms match, and its compared total is $300 lower. Resolve the shared site risks first. Price alone does not establish workmanship, licensing, insurance or suitability.
The judgment: a priced exclusion belongs in the comparison. An unresolved condition stays an open item until its scope and price are agreed.
| Scope | Proposal A + addendum | Proposal B |
|---|---|---|
| Measured area & intended use | 600 ft² replacement driveway for passenger vehicles; same footprint in both proposals. | 600 ft² replacement driveway for passenger vehicles; same footprint in both proposals. |
| Demolition & removal | Remove existing concrete in the marked footprint; load, haul and dispose. Excluded initially; written addition $900.00. | Remove existing concrete in the marked footprint; load, haul and dispose. Included in the starting bid. |
| Excavation | Excavate to the example slab/base profile. Unsuitable soil beyond that profile excluded; stop and obtain a priced change before further work. | Excavate to the example slab/base profile. Unsuitable soil beyond that profile excluded; stop and obtain a priced change before further work. |
| Base & compaction | Supply, place and compact the example 4-inch aggregate base. Excluded initially; written addition $600.00. | Supply, place and compact the example 4-inch aggregate base. Included in the starting bid. |
| Drainage & elevations | Maintain the marked garage tie-in and route surface water toward the existing street-side outlet. No new drain, pipe or curb work included; record elevations before placement. | Maintain the marked garage tie-in and route surface water toward the existing street-side outlet. No new drain, pipe or curb work included; record elevations before placement. |
| Thickness & concrete mix | Example schedule: nominal 5-inch slab; 4,000 psi specified 28-day mix. No color or decorative admixture. | Example schedule: nominal 5-inch slab; 4,000 psi specified 28-day mix. No color or decorative admixture. |
| Reinforcement | Example schedule: #3 reinforcing bars at 18 inches each way, supported on chairs; verify placement before concrete covers it. | Example schedule: #3 reinforcing bars at 18 inches each way, supported on chairs; verify placement before concrete covers it. |
| Joints | Example layout: six 10 × 10-foot panels; conventional saw-cut contraction joints and isolation at the garage interface. Saw-cut depth and timing follow the project specification. | Example layout: six 10 × 10-foot panels; conventional saw-cut contraction joints and isolation at the garage interface. Saw-cut depth and timing follow the project specification. |
| Access & placement | Street-side truck access and direct discharge assumed available; protect the adjacent walk. Pumping and access reconstruction excluded. | Street-side truck access and direct discharge assumed available; protect the adjacent walk. Pumping and access reconstruction excluded. |
| Finish | Gray broom finish with formed edges. No stamping, stain, sealer or decorative border. | Gray broom finish with formed edges. No stamping, stain, sealer or decorative border. |
| Curing & load release | Apply the specified curing compound after finishing; retain product and application record. Contractor controls access and provides written vehicle-release instructions based on project conditions. | Apply the specified curing compound after finishing; retain product and application record. Contractor controls access and provides written vehicle-release instructions based on project conditions. |
| Permits & inspections | Contractor checks with the applicable authority and handles required approvals; a $150 fee allowance is included. Reconcile actual fees in writing. | Contractor checks with the applicable authority and handles required approvals; a $150 fee allowance is included. Reconcile actual fees in writing. |
| Cleanup & restoration | Remove forms and job debris; fine-grade disturbed edges. New sod, planting and irrigation repair excluded. | Remove forms and job debris; fine-grade disturbed edges. New sod, planting and irrigation repair excluded. |
| Changes, payment & warranty | Written approval of scope and price before extra work. Example payment: 20% on scheduling, 50% after placement, 30% after walkthrough. Example one-year workmanship coverage; normal shrinkage, misuse and unrelated ground movement excluded. | Written approval of scope and price before extra work. Example payment: 20% on scheduling, 50% after placement, 30% after walkthrough. Example one-year workmanship coverage; normal shrinkage, misuse and unrelated ground movement excluded. |
| Total & excluded work | $7,200.00 starting + $900.00 removal + $600.00 base = $8,700.00. Other exclusions above remain unpriced. | $8,400.00 starting + $0.00 other priced additions = $8,400.00. Other exclusions above remain unpriced. |
These three photographs belong to SCS’s published Madisonville carport-slab project. Use them to understand which stage supports a scope check. The fictional driveway proposals above are a separate teaching case.
Prepared by SCS Roofing and Concrete · October 31, 2026. The method separates matched scope, confirmed price additions and unresolved conditions. The fictional proposal terms demonstrate that method; the real project record establishes only the labeled observations.
Construction background: NRMCA CIP 6: joints explains joint purposes; NRMCA CIP 11: curing explains curing. Neither source validates the invented design or prices. Actual construction requirements depend on the property and applicable design. For geometry, use the SCS concrete volume calculator.
Link to the complete example · Link to the project evidence checks