KnowMyQuote

Contractor quotation guides

Practical, UK-specific guidance on reading and comparing contractor quotations — written by the team that reviews them every day.

Costs & pricing

How to spot hidden costs in a quote

Learn how to spot hidden costs in a quote before you accept, from vague allowances and VAT to waste, scaffolding and making good.

12 min read

Understanding quotes

Terminology used in builders quotes

Understand the terminology used in builders quotes, including provisional sums, PC items, exclusions, VAT and variations before you sign.

13 min read

Costs & pricing

What Should a Builders Quote Include?

A practical UK guide to what a builders quote should include, how to spot missing detail, and how to compare quotations before signing.

13 min read

Contracts & risk

How to Spot a Cowboy Builder Before You Sign

Learn how to spot a cowboy builder before you pay a deposit, from vague quotes and pressure tactics to insurance, references and payment red flags.

11 min read

Understanding quotes

When's the Best Time to Get a Quote?

A practical UK guide to when homeowners should request contractor quotes, how to avoid rushed decisions, and what to check before accepting.

10 min read

Pricing & payment

How Much Deposit Should You Pay a Builder in the UK?

How much deposit should you pay a builder in the UK? Learn what is reasonable, when higher upfront payments may be justified, and how to protect yourself before work starts.

12 min read

Contracts & risk

What Should Be Included in a Builder's Quote?

A practical UK homeowner guide explaining what should be included in a builder's quote, how to spot missing detail, and how to compare quotations fairly before signing.

11 min read

Understanding quotes

Quotation vs Estimate: What's the Difference?

An estimate is an educated guess. A quotation is a price you can hold a contractor to. Here is how to tell which one you have been given — and why it matters.

6 min read