Start with the job, not the lowest number
A useful contractor response explains the work to be done, material and labour assumptions, exclusions, permit responsibility, scheduling, and how changes will be handled. Asking each contractor to address the same details makes bids easier to compare fairly.
Keep the final decision in your hands
A match is an introduction, not a recommendation or a contract. Check current licensing, insurance, references, and written terms before you hire. If the scope changes after work begins, get the revised scope and price in writing first.
Prepare for a useful site visit
Point out the condition you want evaluated, provide access to the affected area, and gather any plans, prior repair records, photographs, or permit information you have. Ask each contractor to explain the proposed scope, the assumptions behind the price, and what would trigger a change order. This helps you compare complete responses instead of estimates based on different assumptions.