How to compare builder and tradie quotes
You asked three businesses for a price and got three very different numbers. Before you pick the cheapest (or the one you liked on the phone), it's worth checking that the quotes are pricing the same job.
1. Check that each quote prices the same job
Quotes are only comparable if they're based on the same information. If one builder saw plans and another priced from a quick walk-through, the numbers will differ for reasons that have nothing to do with value. Give every business the same brief, ideally in writing, and ask them to quote against it.
2. Compare inclusions line by line
Read each quote with a highlighter and note what's actually included. Common items that appear in one quote and quietly disappear from another:
- Demolition, rubbish removal and skip bins
- Waterproofing, and the certificate that goes with it in wet areas
- Electrical and plumbing work (often listed as "by others")
- Council or certifier fees and permits
- Making good: patching, painting and cleaning at the end
- Removing excess soil ("spoil") from the site, which can be an expensive extra
3. Watch the allowances (PC and provisional sums)
An allowance is a placeholder amount for something not yet chosen or not yet known. A prime cost (PC) item is usually for things you'll pick, like tapware, tiles or appliances. A provisional sum is for work that can't be priced yet, like rock excavation or hidden rot.
A low allowance makes a quote look cheaper, but if the real cost comes in higher, you pay the difference. Compare allowances side by side and ask what each one would actually buy.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiles (PC) | $45/m² | $25/m² | What tile does $25/m² get me? |
| Tapware (PC) | $1,200 | Not listed | Is tapware included, or am I supplying it? |
| Rubbish removal | Included | Not mentioned | Is a skip included in the price? |
Example figures only.
4. Read the exclusions and fine print
The exclusions list is where much of the difference between quotes hides. Also check how long the quote is valid, whether prices can rise (rise-and-fall clauses), the payment schedule, the timeline and the warranties offered.
5. Check the deposit and the paperwork
Each state limits how much deposit a builder can take and sets when a written contract and home warranty insurance are required. See our guide on how much deposit a builder can ask for.
6. Turn the gaps into questions
Once you know where the quotes differ, send each business a short list of questions. Their answers often tell you as much as the price does: a clear, prompt reply is a good sign. Get anything important confirmed in writing.
- "Is waterproofing certification included in your price?"
- "Your quote doesn't mention rubbish removal. Is it included?"
- "What would the tile allowance buy, and what happens if I choose something dearer?"
- "Are there any items listed as 'by others' that I need to arrange?"
7. Don't decide on price alone
Consumer regulators consistently advise against choosing on the lowest price alone. Check the business's licence with your state regulator, read reviews, and weigh how clearly each quote explains the work. A detailed quote is usually a sign of a business that will run a detailed job.
Upload one quote to check it, or up to five to compare them (PDF or photos). Quote Unpack lines up what's included, what's missing and what to ask. The first look is free and takes about a minute.
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General information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules differ by state and change over time; check your state's building or consumer regulator. Sources include guidance from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, Consumer Affairs Victoria and NSW Government.