The Ramp Quote Is Missing Lines: Read the Exclusions, Change Orders and Validity Before You Sign

A ramp quote looks finished when it arrives. It has a total at the bottom, a few lines about materials, and a place to sign. Before you sign, read what the page leaves out, because the missing lines are the ones that show up later.

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Read the exclusions first

Look for a list of what is not included, or ask the company to write one. Ask directly whether the price covers the landing at the top and the bottom, the handrails on both sides, the footings in the ground, the removal of any old steps, and any lighting or paint you may want. A ramp can be built to the measured rise and still need a separate line for the landing or the rail. Ask the company to write each excluded item beside the total so you can see it on the same page.

Check how long the price holds

Ask the date through which the quote is good. Then ask what happens if the crew finds soft ground, old wood under the steps, or a buried utility line during the work. The answer should be a written change order that describes the new work, its cost, and who approves it before anything is done. If the company says the change will be handled on the day, ask it to put that in writing now.

Ask about the permit and the inspection

Ask whether the quote includes any permit, who applies for it, and whether the company schedules the inspection or leaves that to you. If the answer is that you apply for it, write down that the task is yours, with the date you plan to do it.

Ask what the workmanship warranty covers

Ask what the company guarantees about its own work, for how long, and what it does not cover. Ask whether the warranty is in writing and who signs it. A warranty on the materials from the manufacturer is a separate paper, so ask for both.

Put two quotes on one sheet

When you have two estimates, copy each line onto one sheet: length, width, landings, rails, footings, removal, permit, inspection, workmanship warranty, validity date, and start date. A lower total can mean fewer lines are included, so check the exclusions before you compare the totals. Whoever walks the site should be someone who knows the house and the entry, even if the parent is not present for the visit.