You don't need to know how to hang drywall to evaluate a drywall bid. You need a consistent way to compare completeness, exclusions, risk, and readiness — the four things that actually decide whether a bid is a good deal.
Completeness beats price
Don't compare totals first — compare what each bid covers. Build one master scope and measure each bid against it. The bid with 100% coverage at a slightly higher price usually beats the 71%-coverage 'bargain.'
Read the exclusions
Permits, disposal, code upgrades, and warranty carve-outs are where cost shifts back to you. A shorter bid isn't cheaper — it's incomplete.
Spot the risk
'As needed,' allowances, and lump sums signal a price that grows. Firm quantities and unit pricing signal a contractor who measured the job.
Verify readiness
License, insurance, bonding, and a realistic timeline are quick to confirm and expensive to skip.
That's the whole method. BidsScores automates it end-to-end and writes the board-ready report — but the framework is yours to use with or without software.