FixMeasure
Basics
How to get and compare contractor quotes
Quotes for the same job can differ by a factor of two, and the cheapest is often the one that leaves the most out. This guide shows how to get quotes you can actually compare and how to spot the warning signs.
1. Write a clear brief
Describe the job in writing: rooms, measurements, materials, the quality you expect and what you will supply yourself. Give every contractor the same brief, so the quotes cover the same work. Measured quantities help; the Project cost calculator can give you a rough budget before you ask.
2. Ask at least three contractors
Ask for at least three written quotes. Use recommendations from people you know and check reviews, but be careful with a contractor who turns up unannounced, offers a special price only for today or asks you to decide immediately.
3. Check licenses, insurance and references
Check that the contractor is registered or licensed where this is required, and that they have liability insurance. Ask for references from recent similar jobs and, if possible, look at finished work.
4. Compare line by line
Put the quotes side by side in a table. For each one, check:
- Exactly what is included: materials, removal of waste, making good, cleaning.
- Brands and specifications of the main materials.
- Whether it is a fixed price or an estimate, and how extra work is priced.
- Start date, duration and who does the work.
- Taxes, permits and guarantees.
A price that is much lower than the others usually means something is left out or will be charged later.
5. Put it in a written contract
The contract should name both parties, describe the work, the price, the schedule, the payment stages and how changes are agreed. Agree changes in writing before they are done.
6. Payment terms
Avoid paying most of the price up front. A small deposit and stage payments tied to finished work are common; keep a final part until the work is complete and inspected. Pay by traceable methods, not in cash.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest quote without checking what it leaves out.
- Giving different contractors different descriptions of the job.
- Agreeing extra work verbally without a price.
- Paying most of the price before work starts.
- Not checking insurance and, where required, licensing.
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get?
At least three for any significant job, all based on the same written brief.
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is usually a fixed price for the described work; an estimate is an approximate figure that can change. Ask which one you are getting.
How much deposit is normal?
Practice varies by country, but a small deposit and stage payments are safer than a large up-front payment.
Why are quotes so different?
Differences in what is included, material quality, how busy the contractor is and how they price risk.
What are red flags?
Pressure to sign immediately, cash-only payment, no written contract, no address or insurance, and a large up-front payment.