How to Get a Quote for Home Renovation: 7 Questions to Ask
Getting accurate quotes for your home renovation is often a concern we hire clients talk about, and it’s not just for budgeting, but for making sure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.
Many homeowners feel overwhelmed when comparing quotes or end up facing unexpected costs halfway through their renovation.
Who should they trust?
Why are all the quotes so different?
But a detailed renovation quote from a builder provides clarity, builds trust, and ensures you are both on the same page. To avoid surprises, here are seven essential questions to ask a builder before agreeing to a renovation quote.
1. What’s the difference between an estimate and a detailed quote?
Many homeowners don’t realise there’s a big difference between an estimate and a formal quote, until it’s too late.
An estimate is a ballpark figure, a best guess based on limited information. It isn’t binding, and the final cost can rise significantly once work begins.
A detailed quote outlines the exact scope of work, materials, timeline, and cost (assuming nothing changes). It gives you a clear picture of what you're agreeing to and helps prevent budget creep.
Always ask for a written, itemised quote — not just an estimate — before committing to any renovation.
2. What exactly is included (and not included) in your quote?
A good renovation quote should clearly break down:
Labour and materials
Specialist trades (like plumbing or electrical work)
Project stages and key milestones
Any additional costs like waste removal, planning permissions or permits
You should also ask what isn’t included. This helps you compare quotes fairly and ensures you won’t be caught off guard later.
If the breakdown isn’t detailed or seems vague, it could be a red flag.
3. How do you handle unforeseen issues or design changes?
Even well-planned renovations can reveal surprises, especially in older properties.
Ask your builder how they manage changes during the project — whether due to hidden issues like damp or rewiring, or decisions you make along the way. What is their process for approving extra work? Will they provide revised quotes before starting anything additional?
The best builders are upfront and transparent about how variations are handled and won’t move forward without your go-ahead.
4. Who will manage my project day-to-day?
It’s important to know who’s responsible on site. Ask:
Who will be your main point of contact?
Will the same team work on your project throughout?
How often will you get updates, and what’s the best way to raise questions?
Clear communication and consistent site management are key to avoiding delays, confusion, or mistakes.
5. What’s your timeline and payment schedule?
A professional builder should give you:
A realistic start and finish date
A clear set of milestones
A payment plan linked to progress
Avoid builders who request large upfront payments or are vague about timelines. You should only pay the final balance once the work is complete and you’re happy with the result.
If you’re planning to finance your project, having a clear payment schedule is particularly important. See our guide on financing renovation projects for more advice.
6. What accreditations, insurance and guarantees do you offer?
To protect yourself during the renovation, check that the builder has:
Public liability insurance
Employer’s liability insurance (if they have a team)
Membership in a recognised trade body (like the Federation of Master Builders)
Workmanship guarantees or warranties
Ask for proof — and don’t be afraid to request references from previous projects.
7. How will you protect my home during the renovation?
If you’re living at home during the work, disruption is inevitable — but it can be managed.
Ask how your builder plans to keep things clean, safe, and secure. Will they cover flooring and furniture? What are their working hours? How will they handle dust, debris, and daily clean-up?
Responsible builders should have clear answers to all of these questions.
Making Your Final Decision
Once you’ve gathered quotes, don’t choose based on price alone. Look for thoroughness, clarity, and communication. A slightly higher quote that’s detailed and realistic is often better value than a vague one that doesn’t cover everything.
Check references, ask for examples of past work, and trust your instincts when it comes to professionalism.
For further perspective, you might find our guide on why it’s the right time to renovate helpful when making your decision.
How Beams helps you get it right
At Beams, we understand how stressful it can be to get accurate, trustworthy renovation quotes. That’s why we use data from over 4,000 UK construction projects to generate reliable, detailed costings — usually within 2% of the final price.
Our flexible model means you can choose the level of support you need. Want full project management from design to build? We’ve got you covered. Just need help with the design? We can do that too.
We provide:
End-to-end guidance or tailored support depending on your needs
Vetted builders who pass a rigorous six-stage onboarding process
Transparent pricing, milestone payments, and no hidden surprises
A smart dashboard where you can track every stage of your renovation, in real-time
Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom upgrade, or full home transformation, we’re here to make your home renovation simpler — and help you get it right the first time.
Ready to see what your project could cost?