How To Compare My Quote

Written By Gabrielle Kelly

So you have a few quotes to compare! Its always important to do your research and compare Apples with Apples! Use this guide to understand where the value is, finalise what is unresolved and ask the right hard questions before you sign!

Compare Apples with Apples

Document Title – Quotation and Specification

Is the title of your quote – ‘Quotation and Specification’? If yes, this is a good sign.

A quotation is a fixed price offer to do work for a fixed price under the conditions stated.

If the title used is ‘Preliminary Estimate’ – this is not an actual quotation. It is an estimate and cannot be relied upon as a contractual offer to do work for a fixed cost.

Scope

Check the scope is exactly the same across all quotations, identify any differences. The actual work or design may be quite different between quotes.

Preliminaries

Does your quotation cover all the preliminary requirements of your build? Or are they excluded? Preliminaries are overheads or things required to be done before the actual construction can be commenced. For Example:

  • Detailed Building Design and Drawings

  • Features & Levels Survey

  • Basix

  • Stormwater site inspection fee

  • Home Owners Warranty Insurance, known as Home Building Compensation Fund

  • Sydney Water Fees and Approval

  • Colour Consultant for External Colours

  • Complying Development or Development application Fees

  • Building Certifiers Fees

  • Occupation Certificate Fee

  • Preparation of BASIX Report. The NSW Government environmental policy

  • All Risk Insurance and Public Liability Insurance

  • Long Service Payments Corporation Levy

  • Structural Engineers Fees

  • All Rubbish Removal by Builder

Fix-Out Finishes

Check the sizes allowed for your items.

For instance – a very basic skirting size is 67x11mm this is a very narrow and unattractive finish – some builders specify this to make their bottom line look more appealing. Our reasonable and minimum standard size is approx  92x18mm for skirting and 67x18mm for Architraves.

Windows

What size and series are allowed for in your Windows allowance? Understand the quality of the product suggested then you will be able to understand if the allowance is sufficient for your personal selection.

External Finishes

Check the specification of your external finishes.  For instance, your Eaves. What is the width?

Some builders only allow for a 300mm eave. This is not only unattractive, it is provides very little weather protection from the sun and insufficient rain protection. A reasonable and minimum standard size is approx.  450mm

Choices & Customisation

Does your quotation allow for personal customisation? For example:

  • Can you select the specific type of shower screen you want? Or is the specification for construction rigid?

  • Can you have a storage cupboard under your stairs?

  • Are there enough power points in each of your spaces? A minimum is usually 2 per bedroom.

Gabrielle Kelly
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What’s In My Quote?