Three proposals for the same project can differ by tens of thousands of dollars, and the gap usually is not profit margin. It is scope. Comparing them well means getting them onto the same footing first.
Check what is actually included
Does the number include permits? Demolition and disposal? Painting? Electrical upgrades the work will trigger? A proposal that excludes four things the others include will always look better until the invoices arrive.
Look at the allowances
Two bids can carry identical scopes and wildly different allowance figures for the same tile, fixtures and appliances. The lower bid may simply be assuming cheaper selections than you intend to make.
Ask how changes are priced
Find out what happens when something unexpected appears. Is it priced before the work, in writing? Is there a markup, and is it stated? A contractor who is vague here will be vague later, when it costs you more.
Ask who is actually doing the work
Most general contractors use subcontractors, which is normal. What matters is whether they are long-standing relationships or whoever was available. Ask how they select trades and how long they have worked together.
Then look at the number
Once the scopes genuinely match, price becomes a fair comparison. Before that, it is not a comparison at all.
