Guide
What to put on a quote so it holds up
The seven things that stop a quote turning into an argument three months later.
The scope, in your own words
Describe the work in enough detail that a stranger could tell whether it had been done. 'Rewire kitchen' is not scope. 'Replace consumer unit, install 6 sockets and 4 downlights in kitchen, make good, test and certify' is.
What is not included
The single most valuable line on any quote, and the one most often missing. Making good plaster, disposal, scaffolding, parking, permits, decoration, taking up and relaying flooring, working around someone else's delay. If it is not in the price, write it down.
A validity date
Prices move. A quote with no expiry can in principle be accepted whenever the customer feels like it, at last year's material prices. Thirty days is the usual default and nobody objects to it.
Deposit and payment terms
When you want money and how much. If you are ordering materials, say that the deposit covers them and is non-refundable once ordered, or you will end up carrying that risk yourself.
Provisional sums, clearly labelled
Where you genuinely cannot price something yet, carry it as a provisional sum with a note on what will settle it. That is honest, and it stops a genuine unknown from making the whole document an estimate.
Timescale, with a condition on it
Give a duration rather than a date where you can, and tie the start to acceptance and access. 'Four working days, starting within two weeks of acceptance and subject to access' is a commitment you can keep.
How to accept
Make it one step. Sign and return, or reply to this email saying yes. Ambiguity about whether a quote was accepted is how people end up doing work nobody agreed to pay for.
Do it now
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