How to Evaluate a Building Contractor's Quote

Start with scope, not price

Two quotations rarely describe the same work. One may include site preparation and boundary walls; the other may assume they are done. Before comparing rands, compare scope: what is included, what is excluded, and what is described as a provisional sum. A cheaper quote with more exclusions is not a cheaper build.

Compare specifications line by line

Check that the materials and finishes named are the ones you expect: the brick type, the window material, the sanitaryware brand ranges, the roof covering. A quote that says 'standard' where you expected a specific product is an item requiring clarification — not necessarily a red flag, but definitely a question.

This is also where pricing differences usually live. When one quote is higher, look for the line item that explains it: a different specification, a different measurement, or an allowance the other quote left out.

Write down what is unclear — then ask

Every quote review should end with a short list of questions: Which items are provisional? What happens if quantities change? Is VAT included? When does the price expire? A contractor who answers clearly is giving you exactly the information you need.

A neutral review process protects both sides. The goal is not to accuse — it is to make sure the price you accept is the price you both understand.

How BuildEase helps

BuildEase's Quote Analyser breaks quotations into line items and shows neutral assessments — items within an observed range, prices that may require review, and specifications that need clarification — so you can ask better questions before you sign. Assessments depend on the information supplied and are not a judgement of any contractor.