Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Builder’s Quote
AMP Builder Ltd · Published · Updated November 4, 2026 · Sources checked 2026-11-04
The lowest price isn’t helpful if it leaves out work you assumed was included. Before you accept a quotation, make sure you understand exactly what it covers, what could change and how the project will run.
In this guide
These questions will help you compare quotes fairly and make sensible decisions.
1. Is this a quotation or an estimate?
A quotation is normally treated as a price for the described work, while an estimate is usually an approximate figure . Ask for the status to be stated in writing, and check how long the price is valid.
2. Exactly what’s included?
Ask for a written scope. It should describe the work, rooms, materials and finishes as clearly as possible.
Check whether the price covers:
Demolition and disposal.
Skips and any necessary permits.
Electrical and plumbing work.
Plastering and decoration.
Flooring and tiling.
Making good after the work.
Cleaning at the end of the project.
3. What’s excluded?
Exclusions matter as much as inclusions. Common items to query include drawings, structural calculations, building control fees, party wall costs, fitted furniture and appliances.
If something isn’t mentioned, ask rather than assume.
4. Are any figures provisional?
Provisional sums or allowances are placeholders for items that aren’t yet fully defined . They can be reasonable, but you need to know how the final price will be calculated.
Ask what’s most likely to change. In an older house, the answer may include hidden damp, unexpected structure or poor existing wiring.
5. How will changes be handled?
Most projects involve decisions along the way. Agree that any changes will be priced and approved in writing before the extra work goes ahead, and ask who can authorise changes on your behalf.
6. Who deals with planning and building control?
These aren’t the same thing. Ask who’s responsible for checking the planning route, who’s applying for building regulations approval, and who’ll provide the completion certificates.
Don’t rely on a verbal assurance. It’s your home, so you should understand who’s handling each step.
7. Who’s doing the work, and how will you communicate?
Ask who your main contact is and how often you can expect updates. You may also want to know whether the company uses its own team, subcontractors or a combination of both.
If specialist work is involved, ask for the relevant registration. For example, gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer .
8. What insurance and evidence can you see?
Ask for current insurance details and check that they apply to the work. Look at real examples of similar projects, and ask to speak to past customers if possible.
Reviews are useful, but check where they come from and whether they describe similar work.
9. What’s the payment schedule?
Ask when each payment is due and what stage it relates to. Payments should be clear and tied to agreed stages or milestones. Be cautious about paying large sums well ahead of the work.
10. What timescale is realistic?
Ask for the expected start date, the likely duration and any items that could affect the programme. Weather, approvals, material lead times and your own decisions can all have an effect.
A realistic programme is often more useful than an unusually optimistic one.
11. What about site practicalities?
For your own day-to-day planning, ask about:
Working hours and access.
Where materials will be stored.
Toilet and water use.
Dust protection.
Parking and neighbours.
When the kitchen, bathroom, water or power might be unavailable.
12. Will there be a written contract?
For larger jobs, a written contract can bring the scope, price, payments, timescale and change process together. Take professional advice if you’re unsure about anything before signing.
How to compare quotes fairly
Put the quotations into a simple table with the same headings: scope, materials, exclusions, provisional sums, programme, payment terms and approvals. A difference in price often reflects a difference in scope.
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Practical questions, answered
Should I compare only the total price?
Compare the scope, products, allowances, exclusions and approval responsibilities alongside the total. Two prices are useful to compare only when you understand what each includes.
What should happen if I request extra work?
Ask for the changed scope, price and programme implications in writing, and establish who can approve it before the additional work proceeds.
Does a quotation prove that approvals are in place?
No. Planning, building control and any specialist requirements need their own checks. Record who is responsible for each part of the agreed project.
Prepare for a practical project conversation
Bring the property postcode, your priorities, any relevant plans and a list of the questions you still need answered. Distinguish the work you know is required from the options you want to explore. Ask who will provide the necessary assessment, design and approvals, and keep the agreed scope with your project records. A useful first discussion identifies the next information needed rather than treating an early idea as a fully developed specification.
Explore full property renovation & refurbishment or Request a Free Consultation. You can also call AMP Builder on 07460 078657.
Sources and review
Source check: 4 November 2026. This is general information, not a property-specific planning, legal or technical determination. Requirements can change; confirm the current position with the relevant authority or qualified professional before acting.
