What a renovation quote should include
Line items, materials, timings and exclusions: how to read a quote and what to ask.
In this article
A renovation quote is more than a price. It is the document that says what will be done, with which materials, how long it will take and what is left out. When it is done properly, it prevents most arguments during the works. This is what it should include.
1. Separate, described items
Each job should have its own line: demolition, plumbing, electrics, tiling, painting, assembly. A single figure for “bathroom renovation” doesn’t let you compare or know what you are paying for.
- What is done in each item, in plain words.
- Measurements or quantities: square metres, light points, units.
- The price of each item and the total with and without VAT.
2. Materials: who supplies them and which ones
This is the most common reason quotes differ. Check whether the price includes materials or labour only, and which range we are talking about.
- Brand, model or range of the material, if it has been chosen.
- If not, a guide amount per metre or per unit.
- Who buys, who receives the delivery and who carries it into the home.
3. Timing and payment
A serious quote gives an approximate duration and when the work can start. It also makes clear when and how you pay: a deposit, payments by stage or a final payment after the walk-through.
Tip
Be wary of a very large deposit before anything starts. On big jobs it is normal to pay part at the beginning, but the rest should be linked to actual progress.
4. What is not included
Just as important as what is included. A list of exclusions avoids surprises halfway through.
- Permits and council paperwork.
- Removal of rubble and old furniture.
- Connections that need a licensed installer, such as gas.
- Hidden problems: pipes in poor condition, damp inside the wall.
We'll help you define the scope of your renovation and prepare a clear quote.
5. What happens if something changes
Something almost always comes up during the works. The quote should say how changes are handled: discussed first, priced in writing and only then done.
6. Warranty
Ask what warranty the work has and for how long. The manufacturer’s warranty on a tap is not the same as the warranty on the fitting or the installation.
Checklist for your quote
- Separate items with measurements and prices
- Materials identified or with a guide amount
- Timing, start date and payment terms
- A clear list of what is not included
- How changes are handled and what warranty there is
Founder of OSTEZA. I assemble kitchens and furniture, organise moves and coordinate the professionals on each job on the Costa Blanca. I write about what I see in homes every week.