Bid leveling: three quotes, one honest table
Rung 2 of 10 · Comparison matrix
1 · Learn the move · Comparison matrix
Three sub quotes never price the same job. One includes the panel upgrade, one excludes permits, one doesn't say. A comparison matrix puts every line item in a row and every sub in a column, and the empty cells are the whole point. Rule one: a blank in a quote is UNKNOWN, never a guess. The cheap bid usually wins on what it left out.
You are a GC leveling sub bids. Build one table from these 3 quotes: rows are scope items, columns are the subs, cells show their stated price or inclusion. If a quote doesn't mention an item, the cell says UNKNOWN — never assume it's included. End with the questions to ask each sub. [paste 3 quotes]
2 · Your turn. You write the prompt
Three electricians bid your garage-to-ADU conversion: $18,400, $14,900, and $21,000. The cheap one says nothing about the service upgrade, and the middle one excludes 'utility coordination,' whatever that covers. Write a prompt that levels all three into one table with the holes exposed.
Remember: the AI sees only your prompt, not this page. If the situation isn't in your prompt, it doesn't exist.
Optional. These shape the output when you run your prompt below, not your score.