Scope gaps
Spot work that is vague, omitted, or likely to become an extra charge later.
Estimate reviews and hands-on home repairs
Before you sign the contract, get a second look.
Send your contractor estimate to an experienced construction professional. Get a plain-English review of the scope, pricing structure, omissions, and questions you should ask next.
Independent review 40 years in construction
One vague line item can become an expensive change order.
A second look helps you ask better questions before work begins.A second way to work with John
Have a repair on your list?
Second Look also offers practical help with drywall repairs, trim and carpentry, cabinetry, and smaller home maintenance projects in the Columbus area.
Tell John what needs attention. He’ll discuss the scope, location, timing, and price before you book.
Explore handyman servicesWhat I check
Your estimate should explain what you’re paying for—not leave you guessing.
This is not a competing quote. It is an experienced, independent review designed to help you understand the document already in your hands.
Cost structure
Understand labor, materials, allowances, and whether the pricing tells a complete story.
Contract questions
Leave with a practical list of questions to ask before you sign or pay a deposit.
Introductory service
A professional second look for less than the cost of one avoidable mistake.
Ideal for remodeling, drywall, framing, decks, fences, carpentry, repairs, and other residential projects. You receive direct, practical observations you can use in your next conversation with the contractor.
No contractor commissions.The review is for the homeowner—not the contractor who provided the bid. You are never required to hire John for repair work.
Basic Estimate ReviewFounding price
$49
One contractor estimate · written second-look summary
- Scope and line-item review
- Obvious omissions and vague language flagged
- Allowance and payment-structure check
- Questions to take back to the contractor
- Plain-English written summary
Secure payment through Stripe. After payment, you’ll continue directly to the private estimate upload form.
Construction costs vary by location and project conditions. This is an advisory document review, not an inspection, appraisal, or legal opinion.Services & rates
Choose the level of help your project needs.
Every service is independent and homeowner-focused. Larger, complex, or multi-bid assignments may require a separate written quote.
Written Bid Review
$75
Review of one contractor bid with a written summary of pricing, scope, exclusions, unclear items, and questions to ask before approval.
Pay $75 and beginBid Review and Consultation
$125
A written bid review plus a scheduled consultation to discuss the findings, priorities, and next steps.
Pay $125 and beginRush Bid Review
$150
Priority review when the schedule allows. Scope and delivery time are confirmed before the engagement begins.
Pay $150 and beginProject Consulting
$50per hour
One hour of help with scope development, estimate comparison, project-cost questions, planning support, or related construction guidance. Additional time is arranged separately.
Pay $50 and beginFace-to-face estimate review meetings are available by appointment in Columbus and nearby areas. Contact John to discuss the location, scope, and any travel charge before booking.
What you receive
Practical guidance you can use before you approve the work.
Clear scope reviewA practical explanation of what the bid includes and what may be missing.
Cost questionsItems that deserve clarification, documentation, or comparison before approval.
Decision supportOrganized findings that help you discuss the bid confidently with the contractor.
Professional documentationA written record you can keep with your estimates and project files.
Consulting scope, availability, and any price or scope changes are confirmed before extra work begins.
How it works
Three straightforward steps.
- 1
Pay and send the estimate
Pay securely through Stripe, then upload the contractor’s estimate and a short project description.
- 2
John reviews it
The scope, allowances, pricing structure, exclusions, and contract language get a careful second look.
- 3
Get your questions
Receive a concise written summary of concerns, strengths, and questions to ask before signing.
Free 60-second check
How complete is the estimate in front of you?
Check every item you can clearly find in the document.
6 items still need a closer look.Missing detail does not always mean a bad bid—but it does mean you should ask.
40years of hands-on construction experience
Your reviewer
Built experience. Homeowner-first advice.
John Marley has worked across residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural construction—including framing, drywall, finish carpentry, cabinetry, maintenance, project planning, and estimating. Second Look brings that field experience to homeowners who want clarity before making a major financial commitment.
FramingDrywallCarpentryEstimatingRepairs
Free homeowner guide
Five things to check before accepting a contractor’s estimate.
Know what to ask about scope, materials, exclusions, timing, and payments before you commit.
Read the checklistCommon questions
Know what the review is—and what it isn’t.
A clearer decision starts here
Don’t sign a confusing estimate.
Get an experienced second look and a better list of questions.