What contractors look for in a project post
A well-scoped project gets more bids and better prices. Here is what licensed contractors want to see before they commit time to pricing your job.
The contractor's calculation
Before a contractor prices your job, they run a quick mental filter: is this worth my time? A vague project post ("need some work on my house") will get skipped. A scoped one ("tear out and replace 120 sq ft of tile flooring in a single-story home, Vista 92083") will get bids.
The difference is specificity. Contractors are running businesses. The time they spend pricing your job is time they are not billing on another one. The easier you make it to estimate, the more bids you attract.
What to include
Scope. Name the work. "Kitchen remodel" is a category, not a scope. "Remove existing cabinets, install new uppers and lowers (IKEA or equivalent), granite countertops, tile backsplash, no plumbing or electrical changes" is a scope.
Photos. Before photos of the existing space tell a contractor more than a paragraph of text. Include the area to be worked, access points, and anything unusual (load-bearing walls, knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos tile). On BidTorch, contractors bid from your photos and the scope before anyone visits, so good photos lead to estimates that hold up when the contractor you choose comes out for a walkthrough.
Timeline. Are you flexible or do you need it done before a specific date? A contractor with a two-week gap in their schedule will bid aggressively on a project that fits. If you need it done by Thanksgiving, say so.
Budget range (optional). Some homeowners share a rough range to filter out bids that are clearly misaligned. This is optional but can save everyone time.
What to leave out
Skip the sob story. "My last contractor ghosted me" does not help anyone price tile work. The project post is a spec sheet, not a Yelp review.
Skip the negotiation anchors. "I got a quote for $8,000 from another company" pressures contractors to price below that number instead of pricing the actual work. Sealed bidding only works when contractors price independently.
The payoff
A well-scoped project on BidTorch gives every contractor what they need to bid within the deadline window. Each bid includes the contractor's price, license number, and scope response. You compare them side by side at reveal, no phone tag required.