Compare two quotations when they cover different work
You receive two quotations for the same project, but the descriptions, quantities and options differ. Comparing only the total may hide a missing service or a cost that is still unknown. The first task is to make the offers comparable, then ask the necessary questions.
You can start free of charge with a sheet of paper or a spreadsheet. The aim is to understand the differences before deciding, without automatically ranking the providers.
Define the scope you want to compare
Describe the expected result and the services needed to achieve it. For a renovation project, this might include preparation, supply, installation and waste removal. This list comes from your needs; it should not be derived solely from the most detailed quotation.
Then copy the items from each offer, with their units and quantities. An area, a duration and a fixed-price package cannot be compared directly. Where an item combines several services, ask what it includes before artificially splitting it up.
Make unknowns visible
For each item, indicate whether it is included, excluded, optional or requires clarification. An empty cell does not mean that the service is free. Keep unknowns visible until the provider has responded.
Also retain the distinction between amounts excluding and including tax. Copy the rates and discounts shown in the offer, then check your entries. A consistent calculation based on incorrect data remains incorrect.
Prepare short questions: “Is waste removal included in this fixed price?”, “What quantity has been used?”, “Does this option replace the original item or add to it?” Record the answer and its date to avoid comparing information from different versions.
Test an assumption without confusing it with the offer
An option can change the project’s cost. Make a separate comparison between the base scope and the scenario with the option. If you change a quantity to explore a possibility, clearly identify it as an assumption.
Do not add an assumed price for a missing service to produce an artificially complete total. Request a price or leave the scenario incomplete. You can then explain precisely what still prevents a comparison.
Fictional example: redecorating a room
Imagine two offers to repaint a room. Offer A states €1,800 including VAT and mentions wall preparation. Offer B states €1,600 including VAT, but does not specify this preparation. The amounts alone do not support a conclusion.
The household asks B whether this service is included and retains the response. If an additional charge is proposed, it updates the relevant scenario. It also checks the areas and finishes. The example does not say which company to choose: it shows how to move from a price difference to verifiable questions.
Use Devis à plat with checked data
Devis à plat — MaisonMémo is offered at €19. The local HTML application lets you enter up to six quotations, their items, quantities, amounts, VAT and discounts. You can explore options, record questions and answers, retain snapshots and export a CSV or Markdown summary.
The tool does not automatically read your PDF quotations, perform OCR, look up prices or recommend the “best” provider. It does not check legal or tax matters either.
Before comparing offers, clarify the expected result: learn to define a verifiable delivery and manage additional requests.
Manually back up your file in JSON and check that it has downloaded. To decide, supplement this comparison with the discussions and checks appropriate to your project. Consult the Devis à plat product page, or browse the DocPilot IA tools.
