How to ask for a renovation quote (and compare them)

Asking for quotes is the moment when almost everything about a renovation is decided. A vague request brings back vague quotes that are impossible to compare. A clear request brings back clear proposals and helps you choose with confidence. Here's how to go about it, using a kitchen renovation as an example.

What to send when you ask for a quote

The more information you give, the more accurate the quote can be. Before you get in touch, gather:

• Photos of each wall, the floor and the ceiling, in good light. Include details such as water points, the fuse box or damp patches.
• Rough measurements of the room: length, width and ceiling height.
• What you want to keep and what you want to change. For example: keep the appliances, replace the units and worktop, move the sink under the window.
• Any materials or models you've already chosen, or photos of kitchens you like.
• Where the property is and how easy it is to reach: which floor, whether there's a lift, parking.
• When you'd like the work done and whether you'll be living there during it.

For bigger jobs, a site visit is essential. That's when the real state of the plumbing, walls and floor becomes clear, and questions on both sides get answered.

What a good quote should spell out

A quote isn't just a number. It should state in writing what's included and what isn't:

• The work: a description of each task, ideally by room or by phase (strip-out, plumbing, electrics, tiling and flooring, fitting, painting).
• Materials: what's included, with the brand, range or allowance, and what you'll be supplying yourself.
• Exclusions: what isn't included, such as appliances, licences or work that depends on what's found once walls are opened.
• Timescale: the expected start date and how long the work should take.
• Payment terms: how much is due when you accept the proposal, how much during the work and how much at the end.
• VAT (IVA in Portugal): whether it's included in the price, and at what rate.
• Guarantee: what it covers and for how long.
• Rubble and cleaning: whether rubble removal and a final clean are included.
• How long the quote is valid for.

How to compare renovation quotes

Compare like with like. If one quote includes rubble removal and another doesn't, the difference in price is misleading. A simple table helps: one row for each task and one column for each quote. The gaps show you straight away what's missing.

Be wary of the cheapest quote when it's far below the others. It often leaves out work that turns up later as extras. And don't look at price alone: consider how clearly things are explained, how willing they are to answer questions, and how the work will be supervised.

Warning signs

• A quote with a single total and no description of the work.
• A request for full, or nearly full, payment before work starts.
• Pressure to decide now, with ‘today only’ discounts.
• Reluctance to put the terms in writing.
• Work without an invoice, or offers to be paid ‘off the books’.
• Very short timescales promised for big jobs without a site visit.

A good professional won't mind walking you through a quote line by line. If the answers are vague, that's a good reason to keep looking.

Ask for your quote

At Mestre Amilson Remodelações, we visit to measure up and assess the work, then give you a clear, detailed proposal with no obligation. That way you know exactly what will be done, with which materials and on what terms. Talk to us about your project.