The lowest bid is not always the lowest cost.
If one proposal leaves out work, materials, permits, or cleanup that another includes, the “cheaper” option may only look cheaper at the start.

A contractor proposal can look complete and still leave you exposed to missing work, surprise extras, and terms you did not realize you accepted.
30 years in the skilled trades. Former Director of Engineering. An independent second set of eyes — we do not sell construction work.
Not every concern is a scam. Even a reputable contractor can submit a proposal that is vague, incomplete, or difficult to compare. Those details matter before you sign or pay a deposit.
If one proposal leaves out work, materials, permits, or cleanup that another includes, the “cheaper” option may only look cheaper at the start.
When the work is not spelled out, change orders and disagreements can appear after the project is underway — when you have less leverage.
A large deposit or unclear payment schedule can put you at a disadvantage before the promised work is complete.
Exclusions, warranty language, permit responsibility, and unclear materials are easier to clarify before a signature than after one.
For $225, you can get an independent written review before you commit — including the questions worth asking and the practical details worth clarifying.
Our free Senior Homeowner Contractor Protection Checklist gives you ten practical questions to help spot pressure tactics, compare bids, and protect yourself before money changes hands.
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“I had four bids on a major repair, and the numbers were all over the place. Brandon read all of them, pointed out what was missing from the cheapest one, and explained the difference in plain English. I went with a different contractor than I planned and I’m glad I did.”
Rand Edwards · Property owner, Louisville, Colorado“Brandon installed a furnace and AC for our whole house and never once made me feel dumb for asking questions. He walked me through what needed to be done now and what could wait, and when a cheaper option would do the job just as well, he told me. I’ve never had a contractor do that.”Danny Jacobs · Homeowner, Denver, Colorado
“I manage several buildings and repair proposals land on my desk constantly. Brandon is the person I call when I want a straight answer on whether a bid makes sense. He’s quick, he explains his reasoning, and he has never tried to sell me anything.”Nick S · Property manager, Hilo, Hawaii
“20 years of trades experience and zero pressure. He told me what I didn’t need, and that’s why I trusted him.”Andrew G · Homeowner, Boulder, Colorado
“Honest, sharp, and he actually explains things so you can make the decision yourself. He was patient.”Cheyenne K · Engineer, Grand Naniloa Hilton
Brandon Lee brings more than 30 years of experience in HVAC and the skilled trades. He offers an independent review, not construction work — so the goal is clarity for you, not selling you a project.
His career includes extensive hands-on experience as an HVAC contractor, along with five years as Director of Engineering at a resort hotel in Hawaii, where he was responsible for building engineering, maintenance, contractors, projects, and major property improvements.
His experience has included HVAC, plumbing, electrical, building maintenance, project management, contractor coordination, estimating, contracts, and overseeing large-scale property projects — from routine repairs to major capital improvements and million-dollar projects.
Select Second Opinion for one proposal or Bid Comparison for up to three proposals.
Review and accept the Service Agreement, then pay securely in the selected form.
Your completed submission begins the review. We'll assess the documents you provided and prepare your written report.
You'll receive a clear written report with what stood out, what we'd ask, and what we'd do next.
Then the decision is yours.
Get an independent written second look before you sign or pay.
Brandon Lee & Co. provides independent, informational review of contractor proposals from a property owner's perspective. Our reviews are based on the proposals and other information provided to us and are intended to help property owners better understand what they are being asked to purchase, identify questions, and make more informed decisions.
Brandon Lee & Co. does not provide legal, engineering, architectural, construction, inspection, code-compliance, or insurance-coverage advice or services. We do not perform physical inspections, select or manage contractors, negotiate with contractors on a customer's behalf, or guarantee contractor performance, pricing, workmanship, or project results.
Our review is not a substitute for advice from an appropriately licensed or qualified professional when such advice or services are required. Any observations or opinions expressed are based on the information available to us at the time of review.