It’s reasonable to collect a few quotes before hiring a contractor or tradesman of any kind. Quite often though potential clients tend to choose the quote that’s the lowest without taking into account many other details that end up costing them in the long run.
Of course, you don’t want to overpay for what you need but we urge all potential customers to look out for the following things:
Price
Seems a good place to start seeing as many view it as the most important aspect of the quote. Beware of quotes that are significantly lower than the rest and remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The chances are that the much lower quote has been miscalculated and you may end up getting hit with a larger bill as the tradesman attempt to renegotiate once they have won the work.
Materials
Quotes can be made to look better value by cutting costs on materials. If you want a good quality job doing, it needs good quality materials. Really scrutinise the materials listed and ask questions to ensure that you’re not being fobbed off with a subpar job. As the old saying goes; buy cheap, buy twice.
Timeline
Often overlooked on a quote is the expected timeline. Many people accept a lower quote and then are shocked to find that there is a significant wait for the work to be completed. Alternatively, the work is split across two timelines which can be even more frustrating. Make sure you factor the time estimates for the project in, sometimes it’s worth paying a little bit more to ensure the jobs completed on time.
Testimonials
Finally, it’s worth looking online to see what people are saying about the business. You can often see peoples reviews and testimonials to ensure they are well regarded and likely to provide a high-quality job. Sometimes a cheaper quote means you’re getting exactly what you pay for, sometimes less. We’d urge you to always choose quality and reputation over saving a few quid.