Bid Exclusions Checklist for General Contractors

Why exclusions matter more than unit prices

A bid is only as complete as its scope. The most common reason a low bid turns expensive is something that was excluded, assumed to be someone else’s, or qualified in fine print. Reading exclusions is faster than renegotiating after award.

Common items to check on every bid

• Demolition, haul-away and dumpsters.
• Final cleaning and daily cleanup.
• Permits, fees and inspections.
• Temporary power, water, protection and barricades.
• Layout, shop drawings, submittals and as-builts.
• Overtime, off-hours or phased work.
• Warranty period, closeout documents and testing.
• Taxes, bonds and insurance requirements.
• Escalation clauses and price validity dates.

Mark them, do not guess

In the comparison tool, mark an item as excluded instead of entering zero. Then price the gap through the sub, another trade or yourself and add that amount before comparing totals.

Put it in writing

Once a gap is resolved, get it confirmed in the contract or an addendum, not just on a call. Verbal assurances about what is included are the first thing forgotten when a job gets tight.