Build method.
Does the proposal explain access, excavation, structure, temporary support, water control and specialist work? Are required checks and sign-offs included?
Before you appoint a contractor
Basement Contractor Proposal Review
Understand what each basement contractor has included, assumed and left out. Darren compares the proposed build method, scope and responsibilities so you can ask clear questions before choosing a contractor.
Compare like with like
Find out whether the proposals cover the same work.
Contractors often use different drawings, describe the work in different ways or include different parts of the project.
The lowest price may exclude work included elsewhere. Darren shows where one proposal leaves gaps, uses different information or passes responsibility to another party. He does not choose or guarantee a contractor.
More than a price comparison
Compare more than the headline price.
Each contractor should be compared against the same drawings and project requirements. The report states which revisions each contractor used, so any mismatch is obvious.
Roles and responsibilities.
Who will finish each design, provide calculations, manage temporary works, deal with approvals, inspect the work and provide handover documents?
Questions before appointment.
You receive specific questions about missing work, conflicting assumptions and responsibilities that no party has accepted.
What to send
Provide the full proposals and the documents behind them.
Send the full construction content of each proposal. You may remove personal, financial or unrelated commercial information.
- Each contractor's complete proposal and covering emails.
- The drawings and specifications sent to each contractor.
- Work schedules, tender returns and later answers.
- Structural, temporary-works, waterproofing and drainage details.
- Surveys and site information used by the contractors.
- Known limits involving access, neighbours or logistics.
- The proposed split of design and construction responsibilities.
- Questions already raised by you or your project team.
A side-by-side comparison and action list.
The comparison shows what each contractor includes, where proposals differ and which questions should be answered before appointment.
If Darren raises another practical option, the responsible designers and dutyholders must assess it before it is used.
What the review does not cover.
It is not a credit check, insurance check, reference check, legal review, contract, quantity surveyor's tender report, design approval or contractor appointment.
It cannot guarantee price, programme, performance or savings. You and your appointed team remain responsible for checks, contract terms and the final appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Basement contractor proposal review FAQs.
Use the comparison to understand important differences before you and your advisers make the final appointment.
No. Darren shows the differences that matter and the questions each contractor should answer. You and your appointed advisers remain responsible for checks, contract terms and the final choice.
It shows whether contractors have priced the same stated work and where allowances or exclusions differ. It does not audit the figures or provide a formal tender valuation. Appoint a quantity surveyor if you need that service.
No. Darren checks whether the proposed build method is complete and consistent with the project information. The contractor remains responsible for the method and safe delivery, while appointed designers remain responsible for their designs and approvals.
Send the documents given to each contractor and any later updates. Darren will identify the drawing revisions each contractor used and any price or scope affected by the mismatch.
Before appointment
Share the contractor proposals and tell Darren what concerns you.
Understand what each proposal includes before you and your advisers make the final choice.