Comparing quotes properly is the key to finding the best Builder for your project who will be best able to complete the work you need in the style and budget you are looking for. Comparing quotes and estimates also help to spot and avoiding hidden costs or omissions which might lead to unexpected extras. It’s not just about finding the cheapest price, it’s about understanding what you’re getting in terms of workmanship and the overall finished job for that price, and making sure every quote is fair, complete and realistic.
Why Comparing Quotes Properly Matters
Builder quotes can vary widely, even for the same project. Without a clear comparison, you risk choosing a quote that looks cheaper but ends up costing more in the long run. It’s really importation that you are comparing like with like.
Taking the time to compare quotes properly helps you:
- Spot and avoid hidden costs and unexpected extras
- Understand exactly what is included and what the finished job will be
- Spot unrealistic pricing and see if something you need has been omitted
- Choose the best value, not just the lowest price
- Sort the genuine trade professionals from the cowboys or those with out the experience to do it justice
By getting quotes to compare you will learn move about the project and how the work should be done. This education is invaluable for when the project actually begins, as you will have a better idea of what to expect and all the choices and decisions that will be needed from you to make the project run smoothly. Different builders will tackle your project differently and will have lots of ideas about the space, the construction techniques, and materials used. This can be invaluable in get ideas and making sure you get the final finish you really want.
1. Get Like-for-Like Quotes
The most important step is making sure each builder is pricing the same project, so you need to provide full details and breakdown on what you want and also any details on certain materials you want used or finishes you require.
- Provide the same drawings or specifications to each builder
- Be clear about materials, finishes and your expectations
- Avoid vague descriptions that leave room for interpretation
- Ask your builders to quote against a schedule in the same format
If quotes are based on different assumptions, it would be impossible for you to compare them fairly. With Price Doctor you can create a document called a “Schedule of Works” which can be issued to the builders who are going to quote for your project. This asks them to all quote in the same format so direct comparisons can be make for each task of the project. This makes like for like comparisons very easy, and allows you to spot key differences in quotes allowing you to understand what you are getting much more precisely.
2. Look Beyond the Total Price
The total price is obviously important, but it does not tell the full story. One builder may be using top quality materials and the other may be using middle the road and this can have a dramatic effect on the final outcome.
- Ensure any prices are broken down into labour, materials and extras, or by task to be completed
- Check what each builder has included or if anything has been omitted
- Look for differences in quality or scope
A slightly higher quote may offer better value if it includes more detail or higher-quality materials. It can be hard to infer this, as you are very unlikely to get this level of detail from your builders quote. He will have all the details of the materials he will be using, so it is often helpful to have your own breakdown of materials to you too can see this level of detail.
When using the Price Doctor pricing service, not only do you get an accurate cost for any project you wish to undertake you also get a full materials breakdown and detailed labour costings. Find out more about our pricing service here.
3. Check for Missing Costs
Some quotes look cheaper because they leave out key items that will be added later, these are often called extras, or hidden extras. This is often a common trick used by cowboys. Builders are also human, so they might make a genuine mistake, or have interpreted the specification in a different way. It is better to learn this earlier rather than during the project.
Watch for missing costs such as:
- Waste removal and skip hire
- Scaffolding or access equipment
- Finishing work (plastering, painting, flooring)
- Site preparation and clean-up
- Professional fees and certification, such as building control
- Site storage, security, welfare facilities such as a portaloo
- Health and Safety compliance and associated cost – often referred to as CDM compliance.
- Project management – this will be a cost born by your builder if you don’t employ someone yourself
If these are not included, ask for clarification on this before comparing prices and certainly agreeing to anything. For smaller projects some might not be necessary, but as projects get larger then they will be required certainly. Some might not be referred to explicitly in the quote or estimate, but it is worth ensuring they are all covered.
4. Check the Level of Detail
A professional quote should be clear and detailed and laid out clearly and concisely, with each stage of the build detailed and broken down clearly.
- Are all tasks clearly listed and included?
- Are materials specified?
- Is the scope of work easy to understand?
Vague quotes increase the risk of disputes and extra charges and hidden costs later down the line. If you are making assumptions, rather than reading exactly what will be done, there is a chance that your builder is assuming something different – this mismatch is where problems arise.
5. Compare Timelines
Timeframes can vary between builders and this can have a dramatic effect on cost and planning.
- Check start dates and project duration
- Be cautious of timelines that seem too short or overall unrealistic
A fair quote should include a realistic schedule based on the work involved and realistic timelines for each stage. Remember to add some contingency time to your project, just as you will be adding a contingency cost. Things do change, unforeseen issues arise, and there can be delays caused by things beyond your builders control. It is part of building but worth being ready for.
6. Review Payment Terms
Payment terms should be clear and reasonable. The amount to be paid and the stage it needs to be paid at should be clearly set out.
Although there are costs involved in such services, when dealing with large, very expensive projects, an Escrow service can manage all the payments involved. For a fee, they act as a middle man, holding funds from the customer and only releasing them to the builder when certain stages or conditions have been met.
- A deposit is normal, but it should not be excessive
- Stage payments for larger jobs are a standard practice
- Full payment upfront is a warning sign
Understanding payment terms helps you avoid financial risk, especially when large sums of money are involved. Do not miss your payments as this is the quickest way to sour your relationship with your builder. They will be spending a lot of their money buying materials for your home or project, and more of paying their workforce, so any delay receiving payments can be very stressful or worse for them.
7. Watch Out for Red Flags
Some clear warning signs can indicate a quote may not be entirely reliable:
- Prices that are much lower than others
- Very little detail or breakdown in the quote
- Pressure to accept quickly
- Unclear or missing terms
If you notice these, ask questions or definitely consider other professionals. It is likely that the builder in question is not the one for you.
8. Consider Value and Not Just Price!
As we have established from the above, the cheapest quote is rarely the best choice and will likely lead to many hidden extras and costs.
- Does the builder have necessary relevant experience?
- have they done the same work in the past and completed it to a high standard?
- Is the quote detailed and professional?
- Are better materials or skills included?
A fair comparison focuses on overall value not just the cost.
Simple Checklist for Comparing Builder Quotes
- Are all quotes based on the same work or project?
- Do they include a full cost breakdown for both labour and materials, or the tasks involved?
- Are any key items missing such as waste disposal, floorboards etc.?
- Are timelines clear and actually realistic?
- Are payment terms clear and fair. Do they clearly state amounts and stages and what constitutes as completed?
If you can answer “yes” to all of the above, you should mark this tradesman as a strong candidate for the job.
Key Takeaway
To compare builder quotes properly, you need to look beyond the headline total price. A fair quote should be fully detailed, transparent and based on the same scope of work.
By checking for missing costs, comparing breakdowns and focusing on value, you can avoid being misled and choose a builder that will give you the exact finish you require.
Remember you are comparing quotes to find the best builder for you and your project. You are looking for the person you can work with for the project and get the best outcome. This is also what the builder in looking for, as he wants to get in knowing what is needed and to get the job done, moving on leaving you a happy customer.
