Make one comparison sheet
Put your actual proposals side by side. Ask the bidders to fill in anything missing:
| Part of the job | What needs to be clear |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Exact outdoor and indoor model numbers, each served room, and the proposed matched combination |
| Design | The room needs used to choose the equipment, placement drawing, and the intended heating and cooling role |
| Electrical | Circuit and disconnect work, any panel work, qualified provider, and who coordinates it |
| Lines and drains | Routes, covers, penetrations, pumps if proposed, and drainage testing |
| Finish | Mounting, sealing, patching, painting, and disposal responsibilities |
| Permits | Which permits and inspections are included, who obtains them, and who closes them |
| Startup | What will be checked, what records you receive, and how operation will be explained |
| Price and support | Complete installed price, exclusions, change-order terms, parts and labor coverage, and payment schedule |
Denver has a quick-permit process for qualifying work. Ask the bidder to identify the correct current process for your specific project, rather than treating the word “permit” in a quote as proof of its scope. Denver quick permits.
Resolve price gaps before signing
If one bid is lower, ask which line items differ. Is electrical work an allowance? Are repairs to finished surfaces excluded? Does the price include a drain pump for every head, or is the final drain design undecided? Will another provider bill you separately? Request written answers and a revised total where possible.
We favor a proposal that explains the room design and owns the full installation process. A higher price can be reasonable when the included work is materially different, but a higher price alone is not evidence of better installation. A lower bid deserves consideration once its scope and responsibilities are equally clear.
Ask what triggers an extra charge and who must approve it. Also confirm how a performance or drainage concern after startup will be investigated and which written coverage applies. Do not rely on “we take care of everything” without the details.
Your next step: Give your finalists the same scope sheet and request complete, current written bids. Choose on the explained design, owned work, and price together.