Getting three quotes is the standard advice — but most homeowners then pick the cheapest and call it done. That is a mistake. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value, and a proper comparison requires understanding what each quote actually covers, and what it does not.
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Find a tradesperson — freeEnsure every quote covers the same scope
The most common mistake when comparing quotes is not realising they are for different things. One tradesperson may include plastering after the pipework; another may not. One may include waste disposal; another will leave it to you. Before comparing prices, confirm that every quote covers the same scope of work from start to finish.
Ask each tradesperson to quote against the same written brief
Write a clear, specific description of the work you want done and share it with every tradesperson you ask to quote. This ensures you are comparing like with like and makes the quotes much easier to evaluate.
Look for a breakdown of labour and materials
A professional quote should separate labour costs from material costs. This matters for several reasons: you can verify material costs against supplier prices; you can understand where the money is going; and if material costs change (which they can on longer projects), you have a baseline for any legitimate variation requests.
A detailed quote is not just a price — it is a specification. The more detailed the quote, the clearer both parties are about what has been agreed, and the less room there is for dispute later.
— Federation of Master Builders
Check whether VAT is included
Tradespeople with a turnover above the VAT threshold (currently £90,000 per year) must charge VAT on their services. Smaller operators may not be VAT registered. Always check whether the quoted price includes VAT — a quote of £5,000 plus VAT is actually £6,000. If a very cheap quote turns out to be net of VAT, the gap with other quotes may close considerably.
Understand the payment schedule
Professional tradespeople typically ask for a deposit (10-25% is normal for larger jobs), with staged payments as the work progresses and a final payment on satisfactory completion. Be cautious of anyone asking for full payment upfront — especially in cash. Equally, expect to pay for materials before delivery if they are significant.
Ask what happens if costs change
Ask each tradesperson how they handle unforeseen complications — for example, discovering rotten joists behind a wall, or finding that pipes need rerouting. A fixed-price quote should absorb foreseeable risks. But genuinely unforeseen discoveries can legitimately increase costs — the question is how this will be communicated and agreed before work continues.
- Is the scope identical across all quotes?
- Is VAT included or excluded?
- Is there a breakdown of labour vs materials?
- What is the payment schedule?
- What qualifications and insurance does each tradesperson hold?
- Are there any exclusions — e.g., plastering, waste removal, making good?