Second Opinion Checklist
A Free Second Opinion only works when scopes are comparable. This checklist tells homeowners what to bring — equipment models, duct notes, permits, exclusions, and comfort history — so LCS can compare apples to apples before you sign another contractor's quote. Itemized quotes with model numbers beat screenshots of text-only deals. Photos of equipment, filter cabinets, and outdoor pads speed the review. We stress-test sizing assumptions and exclusions whether you have one bid or three — then you choose: book with LCS, negotiate wiser with the other contractor, or wait. No pressure close. Education first. Use this checklist with any contractor comparison — the questions apply industry-wide, not only to LCS visits.
Quick answer
A Free Second Opinion only works when scopes are comparable. This checklist tells homeowners what to bring — equipment models, duct notes, permits, exclusions, and comfort history — so LCS can compare apples to apples before you sign another contractor's quote. Itemized quotes with model numbers beat screenshots of text-only deals. Photos of equipment, filter cabinets, and outdoor pads speed the review. We stress-test sizing assumptions and exclusions whether you have one bid or three — then you choose: book with LCS, negotiate wiser with the other contractor, or wait. No pressure close. Education first. Use this checklist with any contractor comparison — the questions apply industry-wide, not only to LCS visits.
- Bring written quotes with model numbers and line-item labor.
- Note what is excluded: ducts, permits, condensate, electrical, disposal.
- Photos of equipment, filter cabinets, and outdoor pads speed the review.
- No pressure close — education first, then you decide.
You hold one or more HVAC quotes and something feels off
Tons differ, prices differ, and exclusions are vague. Use this checklist before you sign. Scope parity beats bottom-line price — the cheap bid often omitted ducts, permits, or a proper pad. One quote is still worth stress-testing. Bring plans, photos, and any competing quotes so the visit focuses on scope — not sales theater. We document assumptions in writing so you can compare bids apples to apples before signing. Central Indiana humidity and cold both belong in the load conversation — not just square footage.
A salesperson is pushing a same-day decision
Pause. Gather documents, book a Free Second Opinion, and compare scope parity with a non-commissioned crew. Same-day pressure is a failure mode — not a discount. This checklist is your pause button. Bring plans, photos, and any competing quotes so the visit focuses on scope — not sales theater. We document assumptions in writing so you can compare bids apples to apples before signing. Central Indiana humidity and cold both belong in the load conversation — not just square footage.
How we think about this
Documents to gather
Itemized quotes, equipment model and serial if replacing, any load sheets, HOA outdoor-unit rules, and utility bills or room-by-room comfort notes. Screenshots of text-only deals are not enough for parity.
Questions every quote should answer
Was Manual J or duct measurement discussed? Are permits included? What happens to old equipment? Who handles electrical disconnects and condensate? See /process/manual-j-and-static-pressure. Ask any contractor these questions — not just LCS.
Your next step
Start at /free-second-opinion with this checklist complete, or book a visit at /book-now. You leave with clarity — not a high-pressure close.
What goes wrong when this is ignored
Comparing bottom-line prices without line items
The cheap bid often omitted ducts, permits, or a proper pad. Parity first; price second. Two bottom-line numbers without line items is not a comparison — it is a guess which contractor hid more scope. The durable fix starts with measurement and written scope — not a bigger box on the truck or a same-day close. Indianapolis humidity and winter cold both punish shortcuts; callbacks cost more than doing the design work upfront.
Signing before anyone measured static pressure
New equipment on starved returns repeats the failure. Put measurement on the checklist. Any contractor who skips duct reality should explain why in writing before you commit. The durable fix starts with measurement and written scope — not a bigger box on the truck or a same-day close. Indianapolis humidity and winter cold both punish shortcuts; callbacks cost more than doing the design work upfront. Ask any contractor the same questions about load calc, permits, and duct reality before you sign.
Proof & local validation
- 4.9★ from 1,500+ reviews
- Family-owned in Indianapolis since 2005
- Daikin Comfort Pro dealer
- Free Second Opinion — scope parity review, no pressure close.
- Non-commissioned W-2 technicians educate; you decide after the visit.
- Checklist usable for any contractor comparison — not LCS-only questions.
- Non-commissioned W-2 technicians educate before close.
- Scopes and numbers verified on-site — no invented package prices or coupon theater.
- One quote still worth stress-testing before you sign.
- Checklist questions apply to any contractor comparison — not LCS visits only.
How we build this guidance
- Experience grounded in Central Indiana homes — humid summers, cold winters, and real duct realities.
- LCS Heating and Cooling Launch Crew — family-owned Indianapolis HVAC since 2005.
- Non-commissioned W-2 technicians; Manual J and static-pressure thinking before tonnage talk.
- No invented dollar coupons — scopes and numbers verified on-site.
Author: Renee Lucas
Technical reviewer: Travis Lucas, Co-Owner & Technical Operations Director
Last updated: 2026-07-16
Frequently asked questions
Is the Second Opinion really free?+
Yes — Free Second Opinion is a core LCS offer for homeowners comparing quotes. Bring the paperwork so the time is spent on scope, not guessing. Arriving empty-handed slows the review — the checklist exists so the visit is productive.
What if I only have one quote?+
Still useful. We stress-test exclusions and sizing assumptions so you know whether to negotiate, walk away, or proceed. One bid without load documentation deserves scrutiny before you sign — not automatic trust. Bring photos and itemized quotes so the conversation stays on scope parity.
Should I bring utility bills or comfort notes?+
Helpful. Humidity complaints, room-by-room issues, and prior freeze-ups guide whether ducts or dehumidification belong in scope. Comfort history tells us where to look — not just what equipment is quoted. Bring photos and itemized quotes so the conversation stays on scope parity.
What happens after the Second Opinion?+
You choose: book with LCS, stay with the other contractor wiser, or wait. Act paths: /free-second-opinion and /book-now. We do not hold paperwork hostage or require same-day commitment. Bring photos and itemized quotes so the conversation stays on scope parity.
What should I ask any contractor before skipping a second opinion?+
Ask for itemized scope, load assumptions, permit responsibility, and what happens if comfort is wrong after install. If answers are vague, the checklist still applies — bring whatever you have to a Free Second Opinion. Bring photos and itemized quotes so the conversation stays on scope parity.
Ready for the next step?
Get a Free Second Opinion on an existing estimate, or call the Launch Crew to talk through the right path for your home.
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