Why Accurate and Comparable Builders’ Quotes Are So Important

Accurate and comparable quotes from builders should be a given. But most homeowners starting a renovation will face a common dilemma: receiving wildly varying quotes that make it nearly impossible to determine what the project will actually cost. It’s like comparing apples to bananas – especially when you lack accurate market benchmarks or similar projects to reference for price. 

Many people just go with their gut: pick a quote in the middle and hope for the best. We all do it. But a renovation is a big investment, you need all the facts to make a smart and informed decision – not one based on incomplete or misleading information. 

Here’s what you need to get accurate and comparable quotes: 

A clear understanding of what’s achievable within your budget

Realistic expectations are the first step to setting your renovation up for success. Knowing what’s possible helps you create a practical scope of work that builders can quote accurately from. 

London prices are typically higher than the national average and prices vary within the city, so it’s important to get a feel for how much similar projects cost in your area. Asking friends or neighbours who’ve completed renovations with like-for-like scope is a good place to start, as is looking at home reno magazines and websites that feature project costs. Research price ranges for specific elements (kitchen cabinetry, bathroom tiles etc) to understand what’s affordable for you. If you’re planning an extension, consult with architects or architectural designers early in the process, before you get your heart set on ideas.

When figuring out a realistic budget you need to account for labour and material costs, fixtures, fittings and finishes, and a healthy contingency fund. If you’re doing an extension, factor in professional fees and VAT as well. 

The quickest way to get a feel for what you can afford is to speak to an industry professional who can give you insight into real market costs in your area.

Book a free call with our renovation coach, Thomas, who knows the London benchmarks inside out and can advise you on what the right price is.

Discover more of The Page’s transformation stories. Get real benchmarks for project costs in London and hear about homeowners’ renovation experiences.

A comprehensive brief or schedule of work

A detailed brief ensures all contractors are quoting for exactly the same scope of work, making quote comparisons straightforward and worthwhile. A schedule of work is a line-by-line breakdown of all the jobs that need to happen during the renovation, with timelines and notes of who is responsible. This isn’t usually necessary for smaller projects, but is helpful for larger more costly renovations with lots of moving parts (think above £200,000). 

As a rule of thumb, a good brief should include: 

• A detailed scope of work (what needs to be done, stated clearly)
  
• Your desired layout (sketches, 3D renders or professional drawings if needed)
  
• A specifications list (fixtures, finishes, appliances, etc.)
  
• Photos of the current space (plus inspiration photos if helpful)
  
• Desired project timelines or deadlines
  
• Any site constraints or access issues

How you choose to present this information is up to you. Making sure everything is clear and included is the most important thing. If you need a hand compiling your brief or understanding what to include, The Page’s renovation coach can offer advice based on your project requirements. 

The right type of builder for your project’s complexity

Builders specialise in different scales and types of renovations. Understanding the diversity of profiles is key to inviting the right builders to quote and getting an accurate estimate for your project. In London, builders typically fall into three categories: sole traders, small building companies and large construction firms. 

Sole traders can excel at small jobs, offering personalised service and flexibility at lower costs, but they have limited capacity and capability. Your project could halt completely if they become unavailable or are struggling to manage their workload. 

Small building companies provide a sweet spot for most homeowners. They often specialise in specific projects and can handle medium-sized renovations while maintaining personal communication and quality control, albeit at slightly higher costs than sole traders. They require some project management from you but deliver quality workmanship without premium pricing. 

Large construction companies bring extensive resources, specialised teams, and dedicated project managers, but at significantly higher costs and with less flexibility. Their approach can be unnecessarily complex and expensive for smaller projects like bathroom or kitchen remodels. If you’re doing a smaller job, it will likely be perceived as ‘low priority’ and you’ll be working with their least experienced team member. 

As well as finding the right-size renovation team for your project, choosing a builder that knows your specific job inside out is key. They’ll have hundreds of similar jobs to benchmark costs from, so you’ll receive a fair and reasonable quote.

Comparing apples to apples

When all the above aligns, you’ll be in a great position to receive quotes you can actually compare. While price is undoubtedly important, the cheapest quote rarely represents the best value. The Page’s quote comparison service helps you look beyond the bottom line to consider factors like:

• Where and why quotes differ
• What might be missing from certain quotes
• Which aspects represent good value
• How each quote aligns with your project goals and budget

Thomas, our renovation coach, has the industry knowledge to spot potential issues, identify areas where costs might escalate later, and ensure you’re making the smart decision rather than simply choosing based on cost.

Get matched to the right builder for your project with The Page

The Page is a free London-based renovation coaching and builder matching platform. We empower savvy homeowners to make confident, well-informed decisions – you stay in the driver’s seat, we’re here to guide you through the process. 

Achieve your dream space with clarity and bespoke support, transparency on budget and real market costs, and the expert workmanship of our Pagers. Our Pagers are the hand-picked, hands-on builders we work with. Highly vetted, skilled, and experienced, with tight-knit teams, their lean businesses equal top-quality work for a fair price. We connect you with these specialists so you can enjoy brilliant results without the premium price tag.

Thomas is our in-house renovation coach. He intimately understands the renovation process and project-specific challenges – he’s helped over 1,000 Londoners renovate with confidence. Whether you’re transforming your bathroom into a luxurious retreat or adding an extension to maximise family time, Thomas is here to signpost you at every stage of your project. From budgeting and sourcing fittings, right through to the pinch-me moment when you’re raising a toast to your new space, he provides the support you need to make smart choices.

The result? Confidence in the process and a space you love, for the right price – feel like you’ve cracked the code to renovating.