A low or high total means little without a clear scope. For chimney repair, ask what condition is being corrected, which areas are included, what materials and preparation will be used, and what is excluded.
For masonry, ask whether work is localized chimney tuckpointing, unit replacement, or a chimney rebuild. For leaks, ask how crown, flashing, cap, masonry, and roofing were differentiated. For liners, ask about appliance compatibility, size, insulation, connections, and documentation.
Discuss roof access, property protection, debris handling, weather delays, permits where applicable, and how concealed deterioration will be handled if found. Avoid comparing bids that describe different repairs as though they are identical.