Take a few moments to read these few short paragraphs  
                                                    They are here for your benefit  

Some contractors bidding practices create the illusion of giving you, the consumer, the best possible price for the construction you desire.  Unfortunately, this is not the case. Some simply present a vague description of the work, leaving many items out.  These will later create many additional work orders once the project has started.  There are  left out intentionally for just that reason.

                                  A typical example of this practice would be as follows:
   The local building code requires that the switch you flip when entering a bedroom must control one of the outlets in that room.  This is so that a lamp can be plugged
into that outlet so you are not wandering across a dark room.  Most people would expect each bedroom to come with a ceiling light or ceiling fan/light combo.  Since this is not the case: You would be offered the option of having one installed in each room for $200.00 per room.  In a typical (4) bedroom dormer this becomes an $800.00 additional work order.  If it had been included when the project was priced up it would have been a $50.00 per room item. This is your typical bait and switch. 

Be sure items such as: Bath fixtures, tiles, etc.. have dollar allowances indicated in writing on the ESTIMATE.  Don't wait until your ready to sign a CONTRACT to find out what the allowances are or you will certainly go way over budget . 

                              The most important item of all is: THE ESTIMATE:
   It should be written as thoroughly as a CONTRACT.  DO NOT accept a verbal price, or a vague estimate with the understanding you will be given all the written details when you are ready to sign a contract.  You want to be able to compare Apples to Apples.   Think about it, the sales person is coming back to your house to sign a CONTRACT, not review, compare or adjust the specs.  All of those details should have been worked out in the ESTIMATE phase of the process.  This strategy is done to create the high pressure closing.     
   
       If the contractor won't provide you with a detailed WRITTEN ESTIMATE  for your review prior to coming back to your home with a contract, don't consider them for your project. You are spending a lot of hard earned money.  You are entitled to know what your getting for your money prior to signing any CONTRACT.