Two changes to the quote checker make its results fairer, especially for installations that do not need every item on the list.

1. Items that do not apply can be marked “Not needed”

Not every scope item applies to every job. An existing line set or pad may be reused, a ductless mini-split has no ducts, a condensate overflow switch is not needed in every configuration, and permit and licensing rules depend on where you live. A quote should not lose points for work it does not need.

You can now mark those items “Not needed”. They are left out of the score, and the remaining weights are scaled to 100. Choosing “Ductless mini-split” marks ductwork as not needed for you. Sizing, start-up checks, itemized pricing, model numbers and warranty terms always count.

The report now also shows three counts next to the score, for example: 11 of 14 items documented, 2 need clarification, 1 not needed.

2. Deposits are compared with your state’s rule

Deposit rules differ by state, so a single percentage cannot say whether a deposit is a problem. The checker now shows the upfront payment as a share of the price, and when you select a state with a published limit that we track, it compares the two and cites the rule:

  • California: no more than $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less (Business and Professions Code section 7159.5).
  • Massachusetts: generally no more than one-third of the contract price, unless special-order materials cost more (General Laws chapter 142A, section 2).

Elsewhere, the deposit is shown as information with a suggestion to tie payments to delivery, installation and inspection. We add states only once their rules are verified.

The full scoring rules, weights and change history are on the methodology page. To see the changes in action, check a quote.