COMPARING BUILDER QUOTES · VICTORIA
How to Compare Builder Quotes in Victoria
The cheapest quote is not automatically the best value if the scope, allowances or exclusions are different.
Short answer
Compare builder quotes line by line, not only by the final total. Check that each builder is pricing the same drawings, specification and scope, then compare exclusions, prime cost items, provisional sums, site assumptions, structural work, external works, permits, programme and variation rules. A lower headline price can simply mean more items are excluded or carried as allowances.
Make sure every builder is pricing the same information
A meaningful comparison starts with the same drawings, engineering, specification and written scope. If different builders are working from different information, the totals are not directly comparable.
Update the tender information before asking for revised prices if the design changes.
Read the exclusions before comparing the total
Some quotes exclude demolition, earthworks, service upgrades, external works, permits, temporary works or owner-supplied items. These exclusions can create a large difference between the headline price and the eventual project cost.
Ask for unclear exclusions to be explained in writing.
Compare allowances carefully
Prime cost items and provisional sums can make two quotes look similar even when the assumptions are very different. Check whether the allowance is realistic for the quality and quantity you expect.
A quote with low allowances may increase later when actual selections or site costs become known.
Check what is included around the main construction work
- ✓Demolition and waste removal
- ✓Engineering and structural requirements
- ✓Site preparation and excavation
- ✓Temporary protection and access
- ✓Service connections or upgrades
- ✓Fixtures, fittings and finishes
- ✓External works such as paving, retaining or drainage
- ✓Cleaning, certificates and handover items
Compare process and contract terms as well as price
Price matters, but so do communication, programme, supervision, progress-payment structure, variation process and how clearly the builder explains assumptions.
Before signing, make sure the final contract documents reflect the scope you believe has been quoted.
Questions homeowners ask
Should I choose the cheapest builder quote?+
Not automatically. First check whether the scope, specification, allowances and exclusions are genuinely comparable.
Why can two builder quotes be very different?+
They may contain different assumptions, exclusions, allowances, specifications, site costs or levels of documentation.
What should I ask if a quote is much cheaper?+
Ask what is excluded, what is provisional, what specification has been assumed and whether all drawings and engineering have been included.
Should builder quotes show prime cost items and provisional sums?+
Allowances should be clearly identified so you can understand which parts of the price are not fully fixed.
Is a detailed scope more important than a long quote?+
Yes. The important issue is whether the quote clearly defines what is included, excluded and assumed, not simply how many pages it contains.
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EBC services Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs. View service areas.
Related EBC pages
- Choose a Registered Builder in Victoria
- Building Contract Checklist
- Prime Cost Items and Provisional Sums
- Building Variations Explained
- Builder Site Inspection Guide