The lowest number on a quotation is rarely the cheapest outcome. What matters is what is included, in what quality, and how changes are handled.
What a clear quotation includes
- Measured scope: each item with its size, such as square feet or running feet.
- Material details: board, plywood, laminate and hardware brands and grades.
- Labour and finishing: what work is included for each item.
- Timeline: start date, milestones and handover date.
- Payment schedule: linked to completed stages, not just dates.
- Taxes: whether GST is included or extra.
Red flags
- A single lump-sum figure with no breakdown
- Phrases like "as per site" instead of exact sizes and materials
- No brand or grade mentioned for plywood, hardware or paint
- Large advance payment requested before measurements are taken
- A price far below every other quote
Compare like for like
Give every contractor the same scope and the same material choices. Otherwise you are comparing different jobs, not different prices.
Ask what happens when things change
Most projects change a little. Ask how additions and removals are priced, and make sure any change is agreed in writing before the work is done.
Our approach: we do a free site visit and measurement, then give a clear line-item quotation covering materials, labour, brands and timeline. You approve a fixed quote before work starts.
