Alternates let you see the cost of a choice before committing. They only help if every bidder prices the same ones the same way.

Key Takeaways

• Ask all bidders to price the same alternates.
• Separate ceilings, doors and color changes.
• Check quantities behind each price.
• Read exclusions before comparing totals.

Pick useful alternates

Good alternates are decisions you may change: ceilings in or out, doors and frames, extra coats or phasing options. Too many alternates create noise. Choose the handful that matter.

Check the quantities

Ask how many square feet or rooms each price assumes. If one bidder measured and another guessed, totals are not comparable. A walkthrough helps.

Read exclusions

Exclusions often explain big price gaps. Look for prep, patching, access equipment and cleanup. Ask what happens if conditions differ from assumptions.

Pro Painter USA

Pro Painter USA submits bids with alternates and exclusions stated plainly. Before you call, note the areas involved, your target dates and anything that must stay open or untouched.

Request a vendor packet or submit a bid with Pro Painter USA to get a written scope and schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should we pick the lowest total?

Only after confirming scope matches.

How many alternates are too many?

More than a handful gets hard to compare.

Can alternates change after award?

Yes, by change order.