How to Read a Construction Quote (What to Look For)

Two quotes for the same job can look very different, and the cheapest one isn't always the best deal. Here's how to read a construction quote properly and compare like with like.

What a good quote includes

• Your name and the job address
• A clear description of the work, like "Build 12 ft by 10 ft extension, 6-inch block walls, concrete slab roof"
• Materials, listed line by line with quantities and prices
• Labour, either per item or as a total
• Equipment and transport, like trucking or mixer rental
• What's not included
• The total price, and whether GCT is included
• Payment terms and the deposit needed
• How long the price is valid
• The start date and how long the job will take

Questions to ask

• Are quantities realistic? Check the number of blocks, bags of cement and steel against a material calculator. Very low quantities can mean extras later.
• What grade of materials? Steel size, block size and roofing type all affect the price.
• Is clean-up included? Removing rubble costs money.
• Who pays for approvals and inspections?
• What happens if prices change? Material costs move, so agree how increases will be handled.

Compare quotes fairly

Put the quotes side by side and compare each line. A cheaper quote might:

• Leave out items the others include, like plastering, painting or electrical work
• Use smaller steel or thinner materials
• Count fewer labour days than the job really needs

When you ask each contractor to price the same list, it's much easier to see the real difference.

Red flags

• A single total with no breakdown
• No mention of what's excluded
• A price that's far below the others
• Pressure to sign today

Before you sign

• Make sure every change you discussed is written in.
• Agree the payment stages.
• Keep a signed copy for yourself.

Use the free CWFMS Material List Creator or our construction estimate template to check the quantities on any quote you receive.