Tender package
Provide every builder the same documentation: architect's drawings (planning + building control), structural drawings, specification (NBS Lite or written), room data sheets (what each room contains), schedule of finishes (skirting, doors, flooring), kitchen drawing or PC sum, bathroom drawing + PC sum, electrical and plumbing schematic. Without identical packages, quotes are not comparable. PC (Prime Cost) sums for items not yet selected — agree allowance, balance up/down on actual selection.
Number of bids
3–4 bids is the sweet spot. Fewer than 3 = no benchmark. More than 5 = builders learn they're competing widely and prepare cursory quotes. Pre-qualify each builder before sending tender: company age (5+ years preferred), references on similar projects, insurance certificates, FMB or TrustMark membership, recent project photos.
Comparing quotes
Build a spreadsheet: row per scope item, column per builder. Look for: missing items (builder hasn't priced something), wide variances (which is the outlier?), PC sum allowances (are they comparable?), preliminaries % (10–18% normal; over 20% is high), profit and overhead (8–15% normal). Lowest price often signals missing items or contingency that will surface as variations. Best value usually mid-range with strong reference checks.
