The cheapest quote isn't always the best value — and the most expensive isn't automatically the safest bet either. Here's what actually matters when comparing quotes from different tradespeople for the same job.
1. Check What's Actually Included
Two quotes for "£2,000" can mean completely different things. Before comparing prices, check each quote covers:
- Materials — are they specified (brand, quality, quantity), or just a vague allowance?
- Waste removal — is skip hire or rubbish disposal included, or extra?
- Labour breakdown — some tradespeople itemise labour vs materials; others give one lump figure, which makes it harder to spot where costs differ
- VAT — confirm whether the quoted price includes VAT, especially important if comparing a VAT-registered business against one that isn't
A quote that looks £500 cheaper on paper can end up costing more once you add back in the things it left out.
2. Check Credentials, Not Just Price
- Insurance — does the tradesperson have public liability insurance? Ask to see proof, not just take their word for it
- Trade-specific certification — Gas Safe for gas work, NICEIC/registered competent person for electrical work, FENSA for windows, etc.
- How long they've been trading — not a dealbreaker if they're newer, but worth knowing
- Reviews from real, verifiable customers — ideally with enough detail to confirm they're genuine, not just a star rating with no context
3. Ask About Timeline, Not Just Cost
A tradesperson quoting the lowest price but promising an unrealistically fast turnaround is a common red flag — rushed work (especially plastering, tiling, and groundworks) often leads to problems later. Ask:
- What's the realistic start date?
- How long will the job actually take?
- What happens if unexpected issues are found once work starts (e.g. rot, damp, structural problems)?
4. Get Everything in Writing
A proper quote (not just a verbal estimate) should be a written document specifying scope of work, cost breakdown, and timeline. Verbal-only agreements are one of the most common sources of dispute later — if a tradesperson is reluctant to put a quote in writing, that's worth noting.
5. Payment Structure
Be cautious of anyone asking for a large deposit (more than 25–30% upfront) before any work has started, especially for a bigger job. A reasonable structure is usually a smaller deposit, staged payments tied to progress, and a final payment on completion once you're satisfied with the finished work.
6. Compare Like-for-Like
If one quote includes a full re-plaster and another only a skim coat, or one includes waste removal and another doesn't, you're not actually comparing the same job. Where possible, ask each tradesperson to quote against the same written scope of work, so you're comparing apples to apples.
Getting Multiple Quotes Without the Hassle
The best way to compare quotes fairly is to get several for the exact same job description, from tradespeople who've each had the chance to assess the work properly (in person or via photos/video, depending on the job).
On Compare My Builder, you post your job once, for free, and receive quotes directly from verified local tradespeople — making it easy to compare side by side without chasing multiple companies individually.
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