Compare a contractor quotation before agreeing

1. Match the contracting identity

Use the legal company name and registration number on the quotation. A trading name, employee or related company is not automatically the same registered entity. Check the relevant register and source date for the work being proposed; do not assume registration in one trade covers another.

2. Make exclusions visible

Ask for quantities, materials, disposal, protection of the premises, access equipment and making-good work as separate lines. Compare the same scope instead of choosing the smallest total on the first page. Record provisional sums and assumptions that could change the final cost.

3. Agree the handover before the start

Clarify the timetable, payment milestones, completion evidence, defect follow-up and who handles any required submissions. Use official-record links for your own checks. Registration is a factual lookup, not this site's endorsement of workmanship, solvency or suitability for your project.

Work through a decision

Example: one quote includes disposal and protection; another lists only installation. Ask for matching written scopes before comparing the totals, and save the questions rather than uploading contracts or identity documents.

Use the tools with this guide

• Check register details →
• Pre-hire guides →
• Understand minor works categories →

My quotation shortlist

Create a free account to save relevant pages and your own private questions. Each saved page has an editable note, so your next step stays with the source you used. You can delete the notes or the whole account at any time.