Resources & advice
Plain-English guidance before you commit to a builder.
Practical notes on quotations, allowances, comparisons and budgets. General guidance only — every project is different, and none of this is legal advice.
5 red flags to check in a builder's quotation
The warning signs we look for first when a homeowner sends us a quotation — and the questions to ask before you commit.
Read the guideWhat should a builder's quote include?
A clear list of what a well-prepared quotation should contain, so you know what to ask for before you compare prices.
Read the guideProvisional sums explained
What provisional sums and PC allowances are, why builders use them, and how to stop them quietly inflating your final bill.
Read the guideHow to compare builder quotes properly
A step-by-step method for comparing two or three builder quotations fairly, so the cheapest price is not the only thing you see.
Read the guideHow much contingency should you allow for building work?
What contingency is for, what drives the amount you need, and how to hold it so it protects your budget rather than disappearing.
Read the guide
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If your question is about a specific project, a 30-minute conversation is usually quicker than reading around.