1. What to know before you begin
A quotation is easiest to compare when every company has priced the same work and used clear descriptions.
The lowest total is not always the best value. Look at what is included, what is excluded, the quality of products, the proposed timescale and the protection offered after the work is complete.
2. Make sure the quotations cover the same work
Use one written brief
Give each company the same description, drawings, measurements and accessibility requirements so that the prices are based on comparable work.
Check every room and task
Confirm whether removal, preparation, installation, plumbing, electrics, decoration, waste disposal and final cleaning are included.
Identify provisional sums
A provisional amount may change when the exact product or work is known. Ask what assumptions have been made and how changes will be approved.
Check exclusions
Look for work the company has specifically left out, such as structural repairs, asbestos surveys, permissions, flooring or making good.
3. Compare products, materials and accessibility details
Ask for product details
Record manufacturers, model numbers, finishes, dimensions and warranties so you can tell whether quotations include equivalent products.
Check accessibility requirements
Compare clear openings, gradients, turning space, control positions, grab-rail locations, seat heights and other details important to the person using the adaptation.
Confirm who supplies items
Check whether specialist equipment, sanitaryware, flooring, lighting or appliances are supplied by the company or must be purchased separately.
Consider maintenance
Ask about servicing, replacement parts, cleaning, inspection and ongoing costs for equipment such as lifts, hoists and powered controls.
4. Compare price, VAT and payment stages
Check the total and VAT
Confirm whether VAT is included and whether any claimed relief has been considered correctly. Do not assume all adaptation work is automatically zero-rated.
Compare deposits
Understand why a deposit is required, how it relates to materials and what protection applies if the work does not proceed.
Review staged payments
Payments should be linked to understandable milestones. Avoid schedules that leave most of the money paid before meaningful work has been completed.
Allow for likely extras
Ask how hidden defects, design changes and additional work will be costed and authorised.
5. Compare timescale, disruption and aftercare
Check start and completion dates
Ask whether dates are fixed or estimates and what may cause delays, especially where specialist products must be ordered.
Plan for essential facilities
For bathroom, kitchen or access work, ask how long facilities will be unavailable and what temporary arrangements may be possible.
Compare warranties
Check what is covered, who provides the warranty, how long it lasts and what could invalidate it.
Understand handover
Ask whether the company will demonstrate equipment, provide manuals, commissioning records, certificates and maintenance instructions.
6. Common questions
How many quotes should I get for home adaptation work?
Getting more than one written quotation usually makes comparison easier. A council or grant process may set its own requirement, so check the local instructions before requesting quotes.
Should I choose the cheapest contractor quote?
Not automatically. Compare the scope, products, accessibility details, exclusions, payment stages, timescale, experience and aftercare as well as the total price.
What should a building quotation include?
A useful quotation identifies the company, describes the work and products, states the price and VAT position, lists exclusions, gives expected timescales and explains payment stages and validity.