In commercial construction, selecting a general contractor shouldn’t be about chasing the lowest bid—it should be about trusting the numbers in front of you.

At Brien Contracting, we’ve reviewed countless proposals. We’ve also been brought in to fix projects where a low bid turned into a costly mistake. In our experience, the difference comes down to clarity, accountability, and a GC’s real approach to risk—not just how good they look on paper.

Here’s what to look for when evaluating a GC proposal—and what questions to ask before you award the work.

1. A Low Bid Isn’t Always the Best Bid

It’s common in the industry for the lowest number to win. But too often, that number doesn’t tell the whole story.

Sometimes, a GC underbids just to land the job—only to drive profit later through aggressive or unnecessary change orders. Other times, it’s a lack of scope clarity or misaligned estimating that leads to costly surprises. Either way, the client ends up paying the price.

Instead of asking who’s cheapest, ask:

• How accurate is this estimate based on real-time market data and subs?
  
• Is anything missing or vaguely grouped together?
  
• Are allowances and contingencies clearly explained?
  

---

2. Evaluate the GC’s Change Order Philosophy

Change orders are part of construction—but they shouldn’t be a business model.

At Brien Contracting, our policy is simple: Change orders only occur if the client requests a change or if we encounter an unforeseen condition. That’s it. We never use change orders as a profit center.

Before hiring a GC, ask:

• What’s your average change order volume across recent projects?
  
• How do you communicate and document changes to scope?
  
• What steps do you take to avoid change orders during planning?
  

These questions help reveal how a GC manages risk—and whether their team’s truly invested in delivering the original vision, not inflating it mid-project.

3. Clarity is a Sign of Competence

If a proposal is vague, rushed, or full of lump-sum categories, that’s a red flag.

A good proposal should break down costs clearly, tie scope to drawings and specs, and explain any assumptions. It should reflect detailed thinking, not just a summary of trade numbers.

You can also ask for a summary of past performance:

• What percentage of projects were delivered on time and on budget?
  
• How do you maintain cost control during construction?
  
• Can you provide references tied to similar scopes or sectors?
  

4. Integrity is the Real Differentiator

Savvy clients don’t just buy buildings—they buy partnerships.

The best contractors are transparent from the start, communicate clearly throughout, and don’t overpromise to win the work. At Brien Contracting, we believe you deserve a team that’s committed to your goals and accountable every step of the way.

Because construction is complex—but trust shouldn’t be.

If you’re reviewing proposals now and want a second opinion, we’re happy to offer insight. Not a sales pitch—just real support from a team that’s built on doing the right thing.