Write the basis beside the number
Copy the area label exactly as the quote presents it. Ask what is included, which unit and drawing version it refers to, and whether another quoted area uses the same definition. Keep square feet and square metres explicit. Do not quietly relabel a saleable-area figure as carpet area or infer a legal definition from marketing shorthand.
A precise-looking unit rate can still be a poor comparison when the underlying areas describe different things. Preserve both the total quote and its stated area basis. If a basis is missing, mark it missing and ask for clarification before comparing the unit rates.
A simple worked example
Suppose a purely illustrative quote is INR 1,00,00,000. Dividing it by 1,000 square feet gives INR 10,000 per square foot. Dividing that same total by 2,000 square feet gives INR 5,000 per square foot. The lower unit rate alone has not shown that the property became cheaper: only the divisor changed.
These figures are invented for arithmetic, not project prices or a market benchmark. To compare two real offers, establish comparable area descriptions and itemised totals first. Where the measurement basis differs, retain that difference visibly rather than producing a winner from incomparable inputs.
Keep inclusions and dates attached
Ask whether each quoted total includes the same parking, fit-out, deposits, maintenance arrangements and other stated items. Record unresolved tax or registration assumptions separately and have their applicability checked. Do not add an unverified percentage merely to make the comparison look complete.
Save a dated written quote and the exact list of included and excluded items. Revisit the comparison if the quote, area basis or selected unit changes. Your planning calculation should make its inputs easy to reopen; it should not be mistaken for a seller commitment or an independent valuation.