1. Is the quote itemised, and what is excluded?
An itemised quote makes it easier to see what is included and compare it with another quote. Ask for exclusions to be listed clearly so that you know which work, materials or finishing items you would need to arrange separately.
2. Is it a fixed price or does it include provisional sums?
A provisional sum is an allowance for work or materials that cannot yet be confirmed. Ask which figures are provisional, what assumptions they use and what happens if the actual requirement changes.
3. How are changes to the scope priced and agreed in writing?
Plans can change once work begins. Agree a clear process for describing each change, confirming its effect on the work and approving it in writing before it goes ahead.
4. How are payments staged, and are they tied to completed work rather than dates?
Ask for the payment stages in writing and make sure each stage relates to a clear part of the work. This helps both sides understand what should be completed before the next payment is due.
5. Who will be on site day to day, and how will you be kept updated?
Find out who will manage the work, who you should speak to about decisions and how progress updates will be shared. A clear day-to-day contact helps questions get answered promptly.
Talk through your plans
Arrange a free site visit and receive an itemised written quote for your project.