A useful exterior-service quote starts with the areas you want worked on, the result you want and the access available. For a home in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge or Guelph, use this checklist to describe the job before comparing prices. You do not need to diagnose a fault or climb a ladder to request an assessment.
Start with the job, not a package name
Write down the parts of the property involved. “Clean the front and rear exterior windows, including the basement windows” is clearer than “full house clean.” If screens, tracks, gutter interiors, siding or a patio also need attention, list those separately. A shared visit does not automatically include every surface.
Next, describe what you can see. Say that water spills from the rear gutter corner during rain, that weeds are growing between patio pavers, or that the glass has marks that remain after ordinary cleaning. The contractor can then assess the cause and explain which work is appropriate.
What details help with each service?
| Work you are considering | Details to provide | Scope to confirm in the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Window cleaning | Interior, exterior or both; approximate window count; storeys; screens and difficult access. | Glass, screens, tracks and frames as separate items; treatment of persistent marks; areas excluded. |
| Gutter cleaning or repair | Which elevations are involved; existing guards; visible overflow or leaks; where downspouts discharge. | Debris removal, downspout checks and any separately priced repair or guard work. |
| Washing siding, patios or driveways | Surface material if known; staining; damaged areas; nearby plants; exterior water access. | Surfaces and cleaning method, stain limitations, protection and cleanup arrangements. |
| Asphalt, concrete or interlock sealing | Surface type; approximate area; previous coating if known; cracks, settlement or failed joint sand. | Preparation, repairs, product, finish, weather limits and separate foot- and vehicle-access instructions. |
| Seasonal or permanent lighting | Rooflines or features to light; storeys; desired appearance; outlet location; planned fascia or gutter work. | Product and mounting plan, controls, power arrangements, maintenance and any removal or storage service. |
| Snow removal | Driveway, steps, walkways and public sidewalk sections; parked vehicles; obstacles and snow-storage space. | Service areas, snowfall trigger, attendance terms, ice treatment and any separately priced visits. |
Use the relevant service page for more detail: window cleaning, gutter cleaning, eavestrough installation and repair, asphalt driveway sealing, interlock sealing or concrete sealing.
Which photos are useful?
Keep photos at ground level or take them through an accessible window. An overall view shows the work area and its height; a closer view can show a mark, joint or visible defect. Include the route to the work area when a narrow gate, fence, raised deck or parked vehicles may affect access. Tell the contractor if you cannot see part of the property.
- For windows, show each side of the house and identify any windows behind furniture or locked gates.
- For gutters, show the affected roof edge and the downspout outlet from a safe position.
- For sealing, show the whole surface, drainage concerns, old coating and damaged areas.
- For lighting, show the intended roofline in daylight and the location of the available outlet.
- For snow, show the driveway and the complete walking route you want cleared.
A photo helps describe a job; it cannot establish every measurement, hidden defect or installation condition. Confirm how to share images when you enquire. Keep people, licence plates and unrelated private information out of the pictures where possible.
Will the crew need water, power or garage access?
State which outdoor taps and outlets are available, and ask which the proposed work needs. A washing job and a sealing job can have different requirements. Do not assume that booking either service means someone needs to enter your garage. Agree any interior access, gate arrangements and responsibility for moving vehicles or furniture before the visit.
If the water supply is a well, an outdoor tap is unavailable, or the outlet is far from the work area, mention that early. For an occupied commercial property, add opening hours, entrances that must remain usable and the name of the site contact.
Compare the same scope in each quote
A lower total may cover fewer windows, less preparation, a different finish or fewer service visits. Put the proposed work side by side before deciding. Ask for missing items to be clarified instead of assuming that every contractor has included them.
- Areas: identify the elevations, surfaces, windows or pedestrian routes covered.
- Preparation and repairs: record what is included and what needs a separate assessment.
- Materials and method: identify the proposed product where it affects compatibility, finish or aftercare.
- Price: confirm taxes, optional work and how additional work would be agreed.
- Timing: distinguish an estimated date from a confirmed visit and ask how weather changes the plan.
- Completion: ask what will be checked, what instructions you will receive and how to report a concern.
For recurring service, add visit frequency, cancellation terms and the process for extra visits. A request for a quote is not acceptance of a recurring contract.
Copy this project description
Property location and type:
Service or services requested:
Areas to include:
Visible problems or desired result:
Approximate size and height, if known:
Gates, water, power or access constraints:
Previous products or treatments, if known:
Preferred timing and other work planned:
Questions or exclusions to discuss:
“Not sure” is a useful answer when a detail needs assessment. Measurements can remain approximate at the enquiry stage. If several services affect the same area, our exterior project-order guide helps you identify dependencies to discuss.
Request a written scope for your property
Use the D&D Home Services contact form to describe the work. Choose Multiple Services when the tasks are connected, and put the areas and access details in the message. If a question is easier to explain by phone, call (519) 501-5003.
The enquiry starts the discussion. Confirm the final scope, price and visit arrangements directly before treating the work as booked.
Request a home-service quote
Select the service you need and describe the work area and access.