If you’ve requested quotes from several builders and the prices vary significantly, you’re not alone. In our experience, the biggest reason for the difference is rarely the quality of the builder. It’s the assumptions each one has made based on the information provided. In this guide, we share the key questions we believe are worth asking so you can compare quotes more accurately and make a better-informed decision.
When clients come to us with multiple quotes in hand, one of the most common frustrations we hear is how difficult it is to understand why the prices differ so much.
One builder may be tens of thousands lower than another, yet it’s rarely clear whether you’re actually comparing the same scope of work. In our experience working on high-end residential projects, the variation is seldom about one builder being “cheaper” or “more expensive”. It usually comes down to the assumptions each builder has made, and the level of detail they were given at the outset.
Here are the questions we recommend asking when comparing quotes. These have come from years of managing complex extensions, renovations and new builds across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.
Can you clearly explain what is included in this price?
This is one of the most revealing questions. A professional builder should be able to walk you through the scope in plain English without vague terms like “standard specification” or “typical finish”.
At Fresh Approach, we always break our quotes down into clear sections so clients can see precisely whats included, from structural work and services to finishes, external works, and site management. If a builder struggles to explain this clearly, it can be an early warning sign.
What assumptions have you made when preparing this quote?
Every quote is built on assumptions. The more detailed your information, the fewer assumptions the builder needs to make.
We regularly see assumptions around:
The level of finishes (flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, joinery)
Electrical and mechanical systems
Drainage and external works
Provisional sums for undecided items
Ask each builder to list their assumptions openly. The fewer assumptions, the more reliable the comparison. These can often be called 'PC Sums' or 'Provisional Costings' Place markers for cost references that need confirmation before the build goes ahead.
What is specifically excluded from the quoted price?
This question often highlights the largest differences between quotes. Common exclusions we see include:
Architect and structural engineer fees
Ground investigations or surveys
Party wall agreements
Utility diversions or upgrades
VAT
Contingency allowances
High cost client choice items such as kitchens, bathrooms, tiles, joinery items etc.
Understanding what is not included is just as important as what is.
How do you handle variations and changes during the project?
Changes are almost inevitable on any project of scale. A transparent builder will have a clear process for pricing and approving variations, and they should explain how they keep you informed throughout.
At Fresh Approach, we track variations carefully and provide regular updates via our on site QS during our bi-weekly meetings, so there are no surprises at the end. We then issue an 'Extra Works' quote with all the variations costed and detailed for client approval. If the additional points are agreed they will then be scheduled in to the build programme.
Should the additional works quote not be aligned with the customers budget/timeline or for any other reason, we simply carry on with the original programme of works.
Who will be my point of contact during the build?
Clear communication makes a significant difference to the experience. Understanding who will manage the site and how progress will be reported helps set expectations from the start.
Each building company will have a chain of command during the build process. Site, and Office staff will be reposible for different elements of the build and often the customer should be informed who to contact to have any points addressed. This is most commonly done as part of the pre start meetings and everyones contact details are exchanged and the individuals responsibilities are communicated. This is also
Can you provide references from similar recent projects?
Speaking directly to previous clients can give you valuable insight into how the builder communicates, manages the site, and handles challenges. Most customers find confidence when builders are able to provide evidence of continued ability to complete works of the same or similar size and standard to that of the build in question. Of course there is always a time when your build might be that contractors 'biggest' or 'most complex' build to date, but knowing about that ahead of the project starting gives everyone the chance to talk over the practicalities.
We at Fresh Approach always happy to provide contact details for recent clients when asked. We will do our upmost to match your build type with customers who have recently undergone a similar transformation.
This alone should be a big red flag if your short listed builders arnt happy to introduce you to their previous clients.
Why These Questions Make A Real Difference
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you compare quotes on a much fairer and more accurate basis. It reduces the risk of misunderstandings, variations, and budget overruns during construction.
We strongly recommend pairing these questions with a clear written job specification. To help homeowners get started, we’ve created a practical Job Specification Checklist you can download:
Final Thought
The lowest price is rarely the best value on projects of this scale. A clear understanding of what you’re actually comparing, and the process behind it is one of the best ways to protect both your budget and your peace of mind.
If you’re planning an extension, renovation or new build and would like guidance on preparing your brief or reviewing quotes, we’d be happy to talk things through at an early stage.
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