In the 2026 UK construction landscape, receiving three vastly different quotes for the same project is standard. With material costs fluctuating and new Building Regulations (Part L & Part F) increasing technical complexity, “choosing the middle one” is no longer a viable strategy.
To compare quotes effectively, you must move beyond the “bottom-line” figure and audit the scope, risk, and reliability of each bidder.
1. The Fundamental Check: Estimate vs. Quote
Before comparing, identify which document you are actually holding.
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Estimate: An “educated guess.” It is not legally binding and will likely increase as the project evolves.
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Quote (Fixed Price): A binding agreement to perform a specific scope of work for a set price.
2026 Pro Tip: Never sign a contract based on an estimate. Insist on a fixed-price quote with an expiration date (usually 30–60 days) to protect yourself from material price spikes.
2. The “Apples-to-Apples” Audit
The biggest mistake homeowners make is assuming every builder has costed the same work. Use this checklist to align your quotes:
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VAT: Is it included? For a £50,000 project, a missing 20% VAT is a £10,000 “hidden” bill.
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Preliminaries (Prelims): Does the quote cover site setup? This includes skip hire, scaffolding, site toilets, and temporary fencing.
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Provisional Sums (PS): These are “allowances” for items not yet chosen (e.g., £5,000 for a kitchen). If one builder allows £2,000 and another allows £10,000, the cheaper quote is simply less realistic, not better value.
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Waste Removal: Does the quote include the disposal of all debris? In 2026, landfill taxes and skip permits are significant costs often omitted by lowballers.
3. Spotting the “Lowball” Red Flags
If one quote is 20% lower than the others, it is rarely due to efficiency. It usually signals one of three things:
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Scope Gaps: They have missed key elements (e.g., structural steels or drainage).
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The “Variation” Strategy: They underprice to win the job, intending to charge heavily for “unforeseen” extras later.
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Labour Substandard: They are using uninsured or unqualified labour.
4. Quality of the “Breakdown”
A professional quote should be itemised by trade or phase. Avoid “Lump Sum” quotes that look like this: “Extension to rear as per drawings – £65,000.”
What a 2026 Professional Quote Looks Like: | Phase | Includes | Excludes | | :— | :— | :— | | Groundworks | Excavation, concrete pour, drainage. | Contaminated soil disposal. | | Shell | Brickwork, roof, windows. | Internal decoration. | | First Fix | Electrical cabling, plumbing pipework. | Lighting fixtures, radiators. |
5. Due Diligence Questions
Once the numbers are aligned, ask these three critical questions to assess the builder’s stability:
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“Is this quote based on a site visit or just the drawings?” (Site visits identify access issues that cause price hikes).
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“Which JCT or FMB contract will we be using?” (Reputable builders use standard industry contracts like the JCT Minor Works).
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“What is the payment schedule?” (Red flag: Anyone asking for more than a 10–15% deposit upfront).
