What should a builder's quote include?

A builder's quote should let you understand the work being offered and the basis of the price before you decide. Start with the same drawings, specification and written description for each builder. Ask them to identify the versions they have priced and record any clarification that changes the scope.

Look for:

• The builder's identity, the project and the date of the quote.
• The work, materials and finish included, with a useful breakdown by trade or element.
• Exclusions and work or materials you must arrange yourself.
• Allowances for items not yet selected or fully defined, with their assumptions and adjustment basis.
• The price, its VAT treatment, validity period and any stated conditions for a change.
• Proposed start and duration assumptions, access requirements, payment stages and any requested deposit.

Check shared costs too: waste removal, welfare, temporary services, access equipment and making good can fall between trades. A line saying “electrical works included” may still leave the number of fittings, specification or connection work unclear. Ask a specific question and keep the answer with the quote. Citizens Advice also recommends written quotes that explain the work, materials, price validity and VAT position.

For a fictional comparison, suppose Builder A quotes £120,000 including waste removal and welfare. Builder B quotes £116,000 on the same VAT basis but excludes both. If confirmed like-for-like costs for those exclusions total £5,000, the comparison figure for B is £121,000. Keep the £116,000 original and the £5,000 adjustment separate: the comparison is not a revised offer from B. Mark any unconfirmed amount as an assumption.

Before accepting, make sure the agreed scope, clarifications, payment arrangements and change procedure are carried into the written agreement. Do not treat an unclear allowance as a fixed all-inclusive price. A deposit also needs its own exposure check.

The quote-comparison course explains the wider decision. Tender & Quote Review can help compare the actual quotes and return focused questions, while leaving the final choice with you.