A low headline price can become expensive if important work is excluded or left unclear. Before comparing quotations, identify what each contractor has assumed, excluded or allowed for so you understand the likely cost and responsibility gaps.
Confirm whether the quotation includes welfare, temporary protection, site management, access arrangements, permits, parking, temporary power and water, security and final cleaning. These items can be substantial on constrained or occupied projects.
Clarify whether scaffolding, hoarding, propping, temporary roofs, lifting equipment and specialist access are included. Structural alterations and external works often depend on these temporary measures even though they may not appear on drawings.
Ask whether demolition waste, skips, haulage, loading restrictions and licensed disposal are included. Restricted access or controlled parking can materially change the cost of removing waste from a London or urban project.
Identify who supplies kitchens, sanitaryware, flooring, appliances, light fittings, ironmongery and specialist finishes. If you supply an item, clarify whether the contractor has included unloading, storage, installation, protection and making good.
Clarify responsibility for structural details, temporary works design, specialist design, building-control coordination, commissioning, certificates, testing and handover information. Do not assume these services are included unless the quotation says so.
After questions are answered, ask for material clarifications to be reflected in the quotation, schedule or contract documents. A written scope reduces the risk of relying on different verbal assumptions once work starts.
An exclusion is work, material, service or responsibility that the contractor has stated is not included in the quoted price. Exclusions should be reviewed alongside the scope and assumptions before prices are compared.
The number alone is not the issue. What matters is whether the exclusions are reasonable, clearly understood and priced or managed elsewhere. Hidden or ambiguous gaps create more risk than clearly stated exclusions.
BuildConnect UK can help you post a project and receive interest from relevant construction companies. You remain responsible for comparing quotations, scope, exclusions and appointment terms before choosing a contractor.
A practical UK guide to finding suitable builders, checking company information, comparing quotations and choosing who to speak to before appointment.
Read guide →A practical UK checklist for comparing builders, checking company details, insurance, experience, programme, scope, exclusions and payment terms before appointment.
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