House Construction Quotation Sample for Philippine Homeowners

How do you compare house construction quotations?

Put both builders on the same drawings and finish schedule. Compare included quantities, exclusions, allowances, tax treatment, and total owner cost before comparing the price per square metre.

Start with the project conditions

A homeowner receives two offers for the same 90 m² house. One includes excavation and utility provisions. The other lists a lower headline price but leaves those two items to the owner. Lay both quotes beside the same scope and give each bidder one chance to fill the gaps in writing.

Sample comparison of two house construction quotes

Use the same 90 m² house, drawing revision, finish schedule, and treatment of taxes in both columns. These illustrative amounts show how to normalize a bid. Ask the builders to confirm the actual values and inclusions for your plans.

Illustrative bids for the same project
Cost item	Builder A	Builder B
Quoted price	₱2,600,000	₱2,440,000
Excavation and haul-out	Included	₱105,000 outside the quote
External drainage	Included	₱90,000 outside the quote
Comparable total	₱2,600,000	₱2,635,000

Copy the row labels to a worksheet and add a column for the document that supports each amount. Enter who will perform the excluded work and when it must happen. If Builder B gives a written combined price, replace the separate allowances with that price and check how its payment schedule changes.

What to check before you proceed

Drawing revision

Write the revision and issue date of each plan on the comparison sheet. Ask the builder to list the plans it priced. If an earlier revision was used, identify exactly which quantities or finishes changed before comparing the subtotal.

Scope and quantities

Put major packages on separate rows for ground work, structure, roof, finishes, and utilities. Ask which rows include supply and labour. Break out expensive items and ask for the unit or quantity so you can identify a missing line without assuming it is free.

Allowances and taxes

Keep a separate column for allowances, owner purchases, and any taxes or charges the proposal specifies. Ask who pays for delivery, handling, testing, and changes in selection. Record whether each quoted amount is fixed for the described scope or needs confirmation.

Payment and validity

Compare the proposed schedule against observable work. Confirm the expiration date, the proof needed for each claim, and the way the contract will price a variation. A similar total can create very different cash demands during the build.

What to keep in your project file

Save one dated proposal alongside the drawings and finish schedule it refers to. Ask each bidder to use that same reference and show any allowance, excluded item, or unresolved price in writing.

Owner review checklist
Check	Keep a copy of	Resolve before proceeding
Drawing revision	Dated drawing list and written clarifications.	A bidder prices an older plan or leaves a drawing out.
Scope and quantities	Itemized scope and quantities for major work packages.	One lump sum hides an expensive exclusion.
Allowances and taxes	A written allowance and exclusion list.	Neither offer explains which charges are included.
Payment and validity	Quote validity and payment milestones.	The payment schedule cannot be tied to work the owner can verify.

How to make the decision

Use the revised total and the payment terms together. If an item remains unpriced, carry it as a separately labelled allowance until a comparable offer arrives. A decision sheet should show what would make you revisit the choice after a site visit or design revision.

Should both builders see the same plans?

Yes. Send the same dated drawings, specification, and deadline. Share any written clarification that affects the scope with every bidder so the next round prices the same work.