The quote is not the whole story

The cheapest quote is often the least complete one. Before comparing numbers, make sure every quote covers the same scope. Otherwise you are comparing a full job against a partial one.

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Ask these before you sign

• What exactly is included, and what is explicitly excluded?
• Who will actually be on site, and are they employed or subcontracted?
• What are the start and completion dates, and what happens if they slip?
• How are variations priced and approved?
• What is the payment schedule, and what is due before work starts?
• Can you see comparable work they have completed?

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Watch how they answer

A contractor who has run jobs properly will answer these quickly and without irritation, because they have the answers already. Hesitation on scope or dates at quoting stage rarely improves once work has started.

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Get it in writing

Whatever is agreed verbally on the site walk should appear in the written quote. If it is not written down it is not part of the job, and that cuts both ways.