Bid terms glossary
By others
Work a bidder says someone else will do. It is not in their price.
Also called or written as: by owner, furnished by others
What it means
"By others" is one of the most common phrases in a trade proposal. It means the bidder is not including that item in their price, and they expect another contractor, the owner or a supplier to handle it.
The phrase doesn't say who the "others" are. That's the problem. Unless another bid on your desk clearly carries the item, "by others" usually ends up meaning "by the owner."
Why it matters when leveling bids
When you level bids, treat every "by others" item as excluded. Then check whether another trade's bid carries it. If none does, put your own cost on it so the totals compare fairly.
Watch for items that two bidders both push to each other, like blocking between drywall and millwork, or pole bases between electrical and concrete. Those are where gaps hide.
Example wording
Example only
- “Blocking by others.”
- “Power to equipment by others.”
- “Pole bases by others. Anchor bolts furnished only.”
Made-up wording to show the pattern. Not taken from any real bid. Bracketed items are placeholders.
Level your bids with the free sheet → Get the scope letter template
Related terms: Exclusion · NIC (not in contract) · Scope of work · All terms
General guidance, not legal advice. How a term works on your project depends on your contract documents.