The Builder’s Quote That Looked Cheap But Was Not The Situation

Niket Kapur • 6 March 2026

A homeowner receives three quotations for a rear extension.


  • Builder A: £95,000


  • Builder B: £112,000


  • Builder C: £128,000



Many homeowners follow what seems like a sensible approach. They avoid the cheapest quote because it feels risky, and they avoid the most expensive quote because it appears unnecessary.


So they choose the middle quotation.


At first glance this seems like a balanced decision. However, the headline price rarely tells the full story.




The Hidden Problem



Builder quotations are often prepared using different assumptions.


One builder may have priced every element carefully. Another may have allowed only for the basic structure and assumed that many details will be agreed later.


This means the quotations may appear comparable, but the scope of work behind each price may be very different.


When important elements are missing from the original quotation, the costs usually appear later during construction.




What Often Goes Wrong



When quotations are examined closely, certain omissions appear repeatedly.


Drainage


Alterations to drainage systems, new connections and soakaways may not be included.


Electrical works


The quotation may allow for basic wiring only, without including lighting design, fittings, external lighting or specialist lighting.


Structural steel


Steel beams required for structural openings may be excluded or only partially included.


Finishes


Flooring, tiling, decorating and other finishing elements may not be clearly defined.


When these items are not properly specified, they often emerge as additional costs during the project.




Practical Steps for Homeowners



When reviewing builder quotations, it is important to look beyond the total price.


Homeowners should consider the following steps.


  • Request a clear written specification showing exactly what is included.


  • Ask the builder to confirm what is not included in the quotation.


  • Compare quotations line by line rather than simply comparing totals.


  • Ensure that structural works, drainage, electrics and finishes are clearly covered.



This approach allows quotations to be compared on a fair and realistic basis.




Where The Building Guidance Partnership Helps



At The Building Guidance Partnership, we take a different approach before quotations are obtained.


We prepare a clear project specification that sets out the key components of the build before the project is sent out to contractors for pricing. This helps ensure that each builder is pricing the same scope of work.


Our role is not to over specify every detail. Instead, we focus on ensuring that all essential elements of the construction are included so that quotations can be compared properly.


In certain areas we may also specify particular materials or construction approaches where this is important for long term durability, structural integrity or performance.


By creating a clear specification at the beginning of the process, builders can price the project more accurately and homeowners are far less likely to encounter unexpected costs later in the build.


Sunil K Radia

The Building Guidance Partnership

Telephone (020) 8076 3110

WhatsApp +44 7507 705376

www.theBGP.co.uk 

Why Good Builders Also Need Good Project Management Systems

by Niket Kapur • 6 March 2026
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by Niket Kapur • 6 March 2026
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