How to Get Quotes from Contractors in London: A Guide to the Process
Getting quotes from contractors is the first major step in making your renovation happen — and it's where many projects go wrong before they've even started. Poorly obtained quotes produce poor comparisons, misleading budgets, and eventual cost overruns.
Before You Start Asking for Quotes
Have a clear brief. A contractor cannot quote what they don't know about. The more complete your brief — drawings, specification, site information, intended finishes — the more accurate the quote will be. Quoting from a vague brief produces a vague quote.
Have architectural drawings. For extensions and loft conversions, you should have at minimum planning drawings before asking for quotes. For a more accurate figure, technical/building regulation drawings are better. Without drawings, contractors are guessing — and different contractors will make different guesses.
Know what you want. Decide on the key specification decisions before quoting — are you supplying the kitchen, or do you want the contractor to supply it? What finish level do you expect for the bathrooms? Is the carpentry contemporary or period? These decisions affect price significantly.
How Many Quotes Should You Get?
Two to three quotes is the right number for most projects. Fewer than two means no meaningful comparison. More than three is usually unnecessary and wastes contractors' time — which affects the quality of the relationship before you've even appointed anyone.
Who to Ask for Quotes
- Personal recommendations from people who have completed similar projects in London are the most reliable source
- Checkatrade, Bark, Federation of Master Builders — trade directories with ratings and verification
- Architects and designers — your architect may be able to recommend contractors they have worked with
For any contractor you're considering, check:
- FMB (Federation of Master Builders) or TrustMark registration
- Insurance certificates
- Recent references on similar projects (call them — don't just read online reviews)
- Companies House registration and trading history
What to Include When Asking for Quotes
Send each contractor:
- Architectural drawings (planning and/or technical)
- A written schedule of works or scope description
- Any relevant specifications (materials, finishes, exclusions)
- Site access details and timing
- Your expected programme dates
- A clear deadline for submissions
How to Compare Quotes
Never compare headline figures alone. Compare:
- What is included — does one contractor include the kitchen supply and another exclude it?
- What is excluded — some quotes exclude items that are inevitable costs of the project
- What assumptions are made — provisional sums vs. fixed prices
- Programme offered — a quote with a faster programme may be worth more than a slower one at slightly lower cost
- How the quote is structured — a clearly presented, well-structured quote demonstrates professional organisation
A low headline quote with many exclusions and assumptions may cost more in the end than a higher quote with a clear fixed price and comprehensive scope.
RCB Design & Build
RCB Design & Build provides structured, scope-based quotes — clearly documenting inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and the basis of each figure so clients can make an accurate comparison.