Pricing preparation / owner checklist

Give every contractor the same information.

A price is easier to compare when each contractor receives the same plans, equipment list and site information.

Use it forEarly budgets · proposals · bid comparisonsPrepared byCommercial Kitchen BuildLast reviewedAugust 6, 2026
The estimate package

Six groups of information to assemble.

01

Project + property

Address, unit number, floor area, current use, access rules, lease stage and landlord contact or criteria.

02

Foodservice brief

Concept, menu, service model, seat count if applicable, production volumes, operating hours and target opening.

03

Existing information

Measured drawings, landlord/base-building drawings, surveys, photos, available permits, equipment records and known utility information.

04

Proposed design

Current plans, reflected ceiling information, finishes, equipment schedule and available architectural or engineering inputs.

05

Responsibility split

Owner-supplied equipment, consultants, landlord work, regulated systems, utility work, permit fees, signage, furniture and technology.

06

Pricing rules

Required bid format, alternates, allowances, tax treatment, schedule milestones, site visits and the date unanswered questions must be resolved.

Proposal review

Compare what is included as well as the total.

  • Drawings, permits, fees and consultant work
  • Demolition, protection, patching and hidden conditions
  • Equipment supply, delivery, rigging, connections and startup
  • Exhaust, make-up air, suppression and roof work
  • Utility upgrades and landlord work
  • Allowances, exclusions, taxes and payment milestones
  • Schedule, owner decisions and long-lead items
  • Testing, deficiencies, warranties and final documents

If these items are handled differently, the contractors are not pricing the same job.

Related planning

Match the estimate to the delivery path.

Ready to price or still gathering information?

Send what exists. Tell us what is missing.

We can identify whether the job is ready for pricing and which missing details could change the cost.

Request a project review