Put the headline prices onto the same basis.
The calculator runs entirely in your browser. BuildConnect UK does not ask you to upload the contractor quotations or enter personal contact details.
Contractor quotation
Contractor quotation
Contractor quotation
A cheaper quote can still carry more uncertainty.
Scope and exclusions
Check scaffolding, waste, temporary works, protection, decoration, testing, utility changes, external works and client-supplied products. Missing scope can materially change the eventual cost.
Allowances and risk
Large provisional sums can make a quotation look complete while leaving significant cost uncertain. Ask what information is needed to convert allowances into firmer prices.
Programme and management
Compare start dates, duration, sequencing, long-lead procurement and who will manage the work day to day. A realistic programme matters as much as the initial number.
Check the exclusions before you compare totals.
Use the BuildConnect UK builder quote exclusions checklist to review common gaps and assumptions before appointment.
Open exclusions checklistPost your construction project free.
Describe the project, location, budget and programme so relevant construction companies can assess whether the opportunity fits.
Post a project — FreeWhy should I normalise builder quotations?
Because two headline totals can cover different work. Normalising known VAT treatment and excluded items gives you a clearer starting point before reviewing quality, programme and commercial terms.
Should I appoint the contractor with the lowest adjusted total?
Not automatically. The adjusted total is a comparison aid, not a recommendation. Contractor capability, references, scope, insurance, programme, management and contract terms remain important.
What should I do with provisional sums?
Keep them visible and ask what is still undefined. Where possible, improve the drawings, specification or selections so uncertain allowances can be replaced with firmer pricing before appointment.
Use this tool differently depending on your role.
Use it to make the next decision clearer.
Use it to understand why quotations differ before focusing on the cheapest headline figure. Keep scope gaps, exclusions, VAT treatment, provisional sums and programme visible together.
Use it to reduce commercial ambiguity.
Use it as a self-check before issuing or revising a quotation. A clearly stated scope, VAT basis, exclusions, allowances and programme makes your offer easier for clients and consultants to assess.
Use it to support structured advice and procurement.
Use it as a transparent comparison layer alongside tender analysis. It helps surface commercial differences that should be clarified before a recommendation or appointment.
You stay in control of what becomes public and when you connect.
BuildConnect separates useful marketplace information from private account details. The controls differ by role, so clients, contractors and professionals can participate without having to make everything public.
Clients
Client contact details remain private until the client chooses to connect with a contractor. Start with the project information rather than publishing personal contact details.
Post a projectContractors
A public contractor profile is optional. If enabled after verification, selected company information can be published while private account details and insurance expiry dates remain private.
Create contractor accountProfessionals
Professional public profiles are optional and require approval. Work email addresses are not displayed publicly, and marketing updates have a separate optional opt-in.
Join professional network