01Give every contractor the same brief
A fair comparison starts with a shared description of the rooms, work, preferred finishes, items to retain, and any known building access rules. Provide the same photos, measurements and drawings to each contractor. Ask for a site visit where appropriate, since a remote estimate may not include the condition of surfaces or the practical route for moving materials and debris.
02Check that the scope is itemised
Look for clear descriptions of protection, demolition, disposal, substrate preparation, waterproofing, tiling or flooring, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting, fixtures and cleaning as applicable. The quotation should say where the work happens and what completion includes. Broad labels such as 'bathroom renovation' make it difficult to see whether two offers cover the same tasks.
03Compare materials and quantities
For each supplied finish or fitting, check the product, grade, size, quantity or area allowance, and who is responsible for ordering it. Clarify whether delivery, installation, trims, adhesives, grout, sealants and wastage are included. If you choose a different product later, ask how the price and schedule will be adjusted.
04Read exclusions and assumptions carefully
Check whether the quote excludes concealed damage, pipe replacement, electrical upgrades, management requirements, lift protection, deposits, debris handling, or work outside the listed rooms. Exclusions are not automatically a problem when they are visible and understood. Ask what would trigger extra charges and how the contractor will document approval before doing additional work.
05Review schedule, payments and changes
Ask for a project schedule with the expected start, key stages, dependencies, and completion checks. Payment milestones should correspond to clearly described progress. The written agreement should explain how variations are requested, priced and approved, and how delays or defects are handled. Keep selections, instructions and changes in writing so both sides can refer to the same record.
06Use a consistent decision checklist
Before choosing, compare scope completeness, specified materials, exclusions, schedule, payment stages, communication, applicable qualifications or registrations for the work, references you can verify, and the written variation process. Ask each contractor the same questions: what is not included, what could change the price, who carries out specialist work, and what checks happen before handover? Choose the proposal you understand and can verify, not only the lowest total.
Related service: flat renovation.
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