Homeowners often get three quotes for the same project and find them wildly different, sometimes by tens of thousands of pounds. Before assuming the cheapest one is the best deal, it is worth understanding why quotes vary so much, because they are rarely quoting for exactly the same job.
Ask What's Actually Included
The biggest source of confusion is scope. Two quotes for "a kitchen extension" can mean completely different things depending on whether they include:
- Structural engineer fees and calculations
- Planning application and building control fees
- Full first-fix and second-fix electrics and plumbing
- Making good and redecoration once the structural work is finished
- Skip hire, scaffolding and welfare facilities on site
- VAT, clearly stated as included or additional
A quote that looks 20 percent cheaper is often missing one or more of these, meaning the real cost catches up with you later as a variation or "extra."
Fixed Price vs Provisional Sums
Ask whether the quote is a fixed price or includes provisional sums, estimated allowances for items not yet finalised, such as tiling or a kitchen supply. Provisional sums are normal and not a red flag on their own, but you should know exactly which parts of your quote are fixed and which are estimates that could move once you choose specific products.
Payment Schedules Tell You a Lot
A payment schedule tied to genuine milestones, deposit, first fix complete, plastering complete, final handover, is a good sign. Be wary of schedules that front-load a large percentage of the total cost before meaningful work has started on site.
Timeline Estimates Should Be Specific
"A few weeks" is not a timeline. A proper quote should include an estimated start date, a realistic duration broken down by major stage, and an explanation of what could extend it, such as weather-dependent roofing work or lead times on custom joinery.
What We Provide
Every quote we issue is broken down by stage and trade, states clearly what is included and what is a provisional allowance, and comes with a realistic timeline based on the actual scope of your project, not a rough guess to win the job. If you already have quotes from elsewhere and want an honest second opinion on whether they are comparable, we are happy to look them over with you.
Get in touch to discuss your project or get a detailed quote.