What every quote should include

1. 1

   Who the trader is

   Full business name, address, phone and email — and a VAT number if they charge VAT.

2. 2

   The job, item by item

   A written description broken into parts, not one total for everything.

3. 3

   Materials

   Brand, model or specification, quantities, and who supplies them.

4. 4

   A price for each part

   So you can see what each piece of work costs and compare like with like.

5. 5

   VAT stated clearly

   Whether prices include or exclude VAT, and at what rate.

6. 6

   What's not included

   For example skips and waste removal, making good, plastering, decorating or electrics.

7. 7

   Provisional sums and allowances

   Any amounts that are estimates (e.g. for tiles or fittings) and what happens if the real cost differs.

8. 8

   Permissions

   Who arranges planning permission, building regulations sign-off and any party wall notices.

9. 9

   Timings

   Start date, how long the work will take, and working hours.

10. 10

    Payment schedule

    The deposit, and stage payments tied to work that's finished — not paid far ahead of it.

11. 11

    Guarantees

    What's guaranteed, for how long, and whether there's an insurance-backed warranty.

12. 12

    Insurance

    Public liability insurance, and proof of it if you ask.

13. 13

    Changes along the way

    How extra work or changes will be priced and agreed — in writing, before it's done.

14. 14

    Clearing up and protection

    How your home will be protected and left at the end of each day and of the job.

15. 15

    How long the quote is valid

    So the price doesn't change before you decide.

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