French-drain quotes differ on length and depth

I’d first check whether each route, depth, and outlet can plausibly address the same drainage goal; a cheaper quote isn’t a fair comparison if it sends water somewhere different. Once that’s clear, I’d compare quantities and included work. I’d treat vague access, restoration, or permit costs as unresolved scope rather than assume they’re included in the total.

For any vague access, restoration, or permit item, I’d ask both contractors to put their assumed quantities and exclusions in writing before comparing totals. That makes it easier to see whether a lower price reflects a real difference in scope or costs left open for later.

One other item worth comparing is how each proposal handles unforeseen excavation conditions, such as a buried obstruction. Does it state what would trigger extra work, how the price would be approved, and whether that would require a written change order? Even if neither site has an issue, different rules for handling surprises can make the quoted totals carry different levels of cost uncertainty.

I’d weigh clear limits on extra work more heavily than a small difference in the base quote. A lower starting total is hard to compare if added excavation can be charged without an agreed trigger and approval first; the change-order terms help show how much uncertainty each proposal leaves.

It may help to separate permission from price: a change-order clause can require approval before extra excavation starts, while a stated rate or estimate makes the likely cost easier to compare. If one proposal only says “extra work billed as needed,” I’d ask what pricing basis would apply, not just who signs off.

A line that says “pipe and aggregate included” still leaves room for different scopes. I’d compare the stated quantities and specifications - such as pipe type or diameter and aggregate amount - alongside the route and depth, rather than treating the same line-item label as proof the proposals cover equivalent work.

I’d check spoil removal separately rather than assume it’s covered by the excavation line. Two quotes could include similar digging but differ on whether soil is hauled away or left on site, which changes both the final cost and what work remains afterward. I’d compare the stated disposal assumptions before treating one total as cheaper.