Comparing builder quotes
The lowest quote isn't always the cheapest project. Look at scope, provisional sums, programme, and the builder's communication. The majority of customers don't choose the lowest.
The headline number is the first thing you'll see, but it isn't usually the most useful. The differences between quotes tend to live below that line.
What to look for
Scope completeness. Two builders quoting the same job can have meaningfully different scopes. Floor preparation, waterproofing detail, electrical scope, decoration, appliance installation — these are common places where one builder includes something another hasn't. The cheaper quote with the thinner scope often ends up costing more by the time the missing items are added back as change orders.
Provisional sums. Builders use provisional sums for items that aren't fully specified or where the work depends on what's found on site. Compare them across quotes — if one builder's provisional sums are set noticeably lower than the others', that's worth understanding. Sometimes it's a deliberate choice; sometimes it's a sign of where the quote may move up.
Materials approach. Some builders include allowances for materials in the quote; others assume you'll specify and supply them. Make sure you're comparing the same model.
Programme. A timeline split into phases (break ground, first fix, second fix, sign-off) is more useful than a single end date. Look at how each builder has structured their programme — and how realistic each looks.
The conversation. How did the site visit go? Did the builder ask good questions? Did they spot things you hadn't? Did they engage with your priorities? You're going to be working with this person for months. Communication matters.
Why the lowest price isn't always the cheapest
The majority of customers don't choose the lowest quote. The reasons we hear most often:
- The lowest quote had a thinner scope, and the customer recognised it would cost more in change orders.
- The lowest quote came from a builder the customer didn't trust to communicate well.
- The lowest quote came from a builder with less relevant experience for the specific project.
None of these mean the lowest quote is wrong — sometimes it really is the best choice. But it's not the default.
How your Beams Planner helps
Your Beams planner can produce a side-by-side comparison of the quotes you receive from Beams builders, normalised so the line items line up cleanly. If you're also getting quotes from builders outside the Beams network, we're happy to run those through the same comparison tool so you get a like-for-like comparison of all your quotes. Having that comparison in hand is especially useful when you're in conversation with a builder about scope — it makes the gaps visible and the conversation more productive.
What this means for you
Use the quote review to compare scope, provisional sums, programme, and the conversation, not just the price. The builder you choose is going to be in your home for months — getting that choice right matters more than saving a few per cent on the headline.
Related articles
- How a quote review works
- How to get builder quotes
- Negotiating with the builder
- Builder fit — chemistry as well as competence