If I was writing up the bid, I would state it as hang and tape drywall in XXX room or XXXX wall. I would only specify details where they differ from what might be expected, such as basement walls will be green board, ceilings to be hung with 5/8th thickness. If the finish is level 5, that must be specified as that is out of the ordinary in my area. Many contractors here do only two coats of mud before priming.

I would not specify eight sheets as I don't care how many sheets of drywall get hung. The bid is to hang and tape and the price will be quoted for the job, not by sheet. Of course, we will figure the number of sheets when doing our numbers for pricing and purchasing, but the customer gets a job price. The only time I would mention quantity is when the scope will not be known until the project is started. Then it would be listed as price includes up to 8 sheets, additional sheets will be an extra charge with some type of statement as to how the charge would be figured.

My partner does not provide fine details in his bids. He is being hired to complete a task and he will discuss the issues with the customer but isn't going to specify what length of screws he will be using. Some construction contracts use excessive details to imply the workers will provide similar level of quality and attention to detail while performing the work. Such details are unnecessary if a contract states that all materials will be installed according to the manufacturers instructions.

Last one.

What level of detail did you ask for?

A level 5 finish is going to be more expensive, do you need it?

How do you get an accurate bid without specifying the detail to start with? If you walk into a series of dealers and say "I'd like a car please" you're going to get a pretty wide range of prices and vehicles, from a Yugo to a Ferrari.

The buyer needs to tell the contractor what they want to buy to get a sensible bid. If you want a level 5 finish or (better) blueboard and plaster you'd better put in in the specification, otherwise you'll get whatever the contractor feels like doing that day.

If you don't specify the work you can't possibly get comparable bids.

It is not difficult to find literally thousands of examples on Houzz regarding contractor dissatisfaction. Contractors may not have provided the details and the homeowners weren't smart enough to know what details to ask for.

How do we collectively aid those who are spending good money from continually repeating the same mistakes? My example was focused on drywall. Is there merit in creating the equivalents for kitchen cabinets, countertops, roof replacements, etc?

@mike_kaiser_gw, @rwiegand, @Lyndee Lee, @azalea1, @GN Builders L.L.C, @Precision Carpentry, @John Hottle, @recordaras, @HouseOwner MN, @cherylbirth, @smluckey, @The Cabinet Connection, Inc., @Frankye Regis, @ktslwy, @miedel, @Ellsworth Design Build

In my case, my counters were purchased through Ikea, so I didn't have a choice as to the contractor. I do think a huge part of the problem is that there is an expectation, and rightfully so, that a job will be done correctly and to industry standards. Sadly, all too often that's not the case.

My issue with overly detailed contracts is when such content is used as a negotiating strategy and a marketing tool. Dear customer, you don't need to worry because we guarantee only to use 1 5/8th inch screws. Note that detail does not guarantee that the correct quantity of screws will be used in the correct locations and always at the correct depth. When extreme level of detail is used to pressure a customer, the customer does not benefit. If you spend the time finding the right contractor, the amount of detail in the contract will be further backed up when the contractor follows industry standards and specific material installation instructions.

I love a good amount of detail when the contractor is equally focused on all the small details of the contract, not just materials or quantity. If you find a contractor who clearly communicates schedule, cost, change order and billing processes, allowances and suppliers in consistent level of detail and has past customers who will attest to his ability to deliver on his contracts, sign the contract!

If you don't have the right contractor, the contract details won't save the project.

Any of the above. If the tradesman is skilled and scrupulous, no matter how much or little extraneous detail he pads the estimate with, you can expect him to do a good job. If he's not, no amount of fluff in the estimate is going to save you from disappointment.