Who this guide is for
- Homeowners with widely varying quotes in hand
- Anyone unsure why figures differ so much
- People wanting to compare like for like
- Planners deciding which quote to trust
Different scope behind the same brief
Even from the same brief, contractors may interpret the work differently. One may include making good and decoration while another stops short, producing very different figures.
Inclusions and exclusions
What each quote covers — and leaves out — is the biggest single source of difference. A lower figure may simply include less, with the remainder landing back on you.
- Materials supplied versus excluded
- Protection, cleanup and disposal
- Making good and decoration
- Allowances for undecided items
Assumptions about conditions
Quotes rest on assumptions about what lies behind walls and floors. Differing assumptions about unknowns lead to differing figures, especially in older properties.
Quality and specification
Different material grades and finish levels move a figure even for the same task. A quote built on premium specification will differ from one assuming standard.
How each contractor prices
Contractors carry different overheads, schedules and approaches to risk, which shapes how they price. None of this shows in the bottom line, only in the detail behind it.
Quote comparison checklist
- 1Confirm each quote answers the same brief
- 2List inclusions and exclusions side by side
- 3Note differing assumptions about unknowns
- 4Check the material grade and finish each assumes
- 5Identify provisional allowances in each
- 6Confirm protection, cleanup and disposal coverage
- 7Ask each contractor to clarify gaps
- 8Compare scope before comparing totals
Common mistakes to avoid
- Picking the lowest figure without reading the scope
- Assuming all quotes cover the same work
- Ignoring differing assumptions about unknowns
- Overlooking the specification each quote assumes
- Failing to ask contractors to clarify gaps
When to involve a professional
- A qualified contractor or independent professional can help you compare estimates fairly
- Ask each contractor to set out inclusions, exclusions and assumptions in writing
- Requirements and norms vary by location and project, so confirm details locally
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Why do quotes for the same job differ?
Usually because each covers a different scope, includes and excludes different items, and rests on different assumptions about unknowns. A lower figure often simply includes less.
Is the cheapest quote the best?
Not necessarily. A low figure may exclude making good, decoration or disposal, which then land back on you. Comparing scope and inclusions matters more than the bottom line.
How do assumptions cause differences?
Quotes rest on assumptions about what lies behind walls and floors. Differing assumptions about unknowns, especially in older homes, lead to different figures even for the same task.
How can I compare quotes fairly?
Confirm each answers the same brief, line up inclusions and exclusions, and check the specification each assumes. A professional can help confirm they cover the same work before you compare.
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