The Proposal Truth Test: Stop Bidding Blind

GRPM Blog | Strategy & Systems for Smarter Builders

If your proposals aren't built on truth, they're built on trouble.

And trouble is expensive.

We've seen it too many times: contractors land jobs only to lose their shirts because the bid was built on half-truths and best guesses:

• "We assumed the GC would supply that."

• "The drawings didn't mention it."

• "We figured we'd clarify it later."

That kind of thinking isn't just risky; It's a trap.

Before you send out another proposal, run it through the Proposal Truth Test, a simple audit that catches vagueness, exposes blind spots and reveals the hidden costs buried in your bid.

The Proposal Truth Test Checklist

Use this before sending out any bid or proposal. Ask yourself or your estimator:

Scope Clarity

•  Did we clearly define what's included in our scope in writing?

•  Did we explicitly exclude anything we're NOT covering?

•  Have we noted scope overlaps or gaps with other trades?

Drawings & Details

•  Are there missing, unclear, or contradictory details in the plans?

•  Did we flag potential RFIs now instead of assuming the field will figure it out?

•  Are key dimensions and quantities verified, not guessed?

Labor Reality Check

•  Is our labor based on real production rates, not wishful thinking?

•  Did we account for site conditions, access limits, and working hours?

Material Assumptions

•  Are material prices current and confirmed?

•  Did we check lead times or special order items that could delay us?

•  Are all finishes, specs, and brands identified?

Timeline Traps

•  Is the schedule realistic for our team?

•  Are we clear on milestones, phasing, and penalties?

•  Did we consider other trades' timelines that could impact us?

Money Blind Spots

•  Did we include all permits, fees, insurance, or bonds?

•  Is overhead and profit correctly calculated?

•  Have we factored in markup on change orders and extras?

The Trust Check

•  Do we trust the client, GC, or architect to work fairly?

•  Have we worked with them before, or should we protect ourselves with tighter terms?

•  If this job goes sideways, do we have clear contract language to protect us?

Final Thought

A bad proposal is a blueprint for chaos.

A good one is your first act of leadership on the job.

Run your next bid through this checklist and start winning projects that don't lose you money.

Book a free 30-minute 'Fix-My-Bidding' session with GRPM and make your next proposal bulletproof. CLICK HERE "BOOK IT NOW!!"

BIDDERS CHECKLIST