Compare quotes

Is the cheap quote missing half the job?

Run a quote through twelve quick questions. A good quote tells you exactly what you are getting. A vague one leaves room for surprises.

Check a quote (3 minutes, free, no sign-up). Get a job done. Read the full guide.

The questions

1. Does the quote write out the scope: exactly what work? "Replace gutters" is not a scope. Which gutters, what comes off, what goes on and in what colour, is. If not: Ask for the scope written out. If the scopes do not match, the prices cannot be compared.
2. Does the quote list what is in the price? Materials, labour, rubbish removal, scaffolding or edge protection where it is needed, any approvals and the clean-up. If not: Ask what is included, in writing.
3. Does the quote list what is not in the price? Common ones: rotten timber found once the old work comes off, extra downpipes, work by other trades and making good afterwards. If not: Ask "What is not included in this price?" This is where cheap quotes hide things.
4. Does the quote name the materials: brand, grade, size and colour? If not: Ask which materials. Two quotes for "new roof sheets" can be very different products.
5. Does the quote say when it can start and how long it will take? And what happens if the weather turns. If not: Ask for the start date and how long it takes, in writing.
6. Does the quote say how extra work gets priced and approved? You want any change agreed in writing, with a price, before it is done. If not: Ask for any change to be agreed in writing, with a price, before it is done. Not explained on the invoice afterwards.
7. Does the quote set out the deposit, progress payments and when each is due? Be wary of a big payment upfront. Queensland law limits deposits on domestic building work. If not: Ask for the payment terms in writing, and check the current deposit limits on the QBCC website.
8. Does the quote put the warranty in writing? The workmanship warranty on the job, plus the manufacturer's warranty on the materials. If not: Ask how long each warranty runs, and get it in writing.
9. Does the quote include rubbish removal and the clean-up? If not: Ask. A low quote sometimes leaves the rubbish removal and clean-up to you.
10. Have you checked their QBCC licence? Two minutes on the free QBCC register. If not: Ask for the licence number and check it on the QBCC register.
11. Have they confirmed their insurance? If not: Ask about insurance before you sign.
12. Did they answer your questions properly? Did they reply quickly, answer without making you feel silly and turn up when they said they would? If not: How a business deals with you before you pay is usually a fair preview of how the job will go.

General information only, not legal or financial advice. Only count it when the quote says it in writing. A low price can be completely legitimate, but it is worth knowing why.

More free checks

• Storm Ready Score: how ready is your home?: Ten quick yes or no questions about your home, a score out of 10 and what to sort before the storms. Free, two minutes.
• Storm season checklist: is your home ready?: Twelve quick questions from the SEQ storm season checklist. See what is done and what to sort before the first big storm. Free, three minutes.
• Storm damage? What to do first, in the right order: Pick what has happened and get the next safe step and who to call: 000, the SES on 132 500, your insurer or a licensed trade. Free, one minute.
• Roof warning signs: is your roof warning you?: Twelve things to look for from the ground and inside, what each one means and when to get someone up there. Free, and you stay off the roof.
• Roof repair in Brisbane: what moves the price?: Pick the repair and see what it involves, the six things that change the number and what a fair roof quote should show. Free, one minute.
• Gutters and downpipes: the boring job that saves the house: Ten quick questions to tell if your gutters and downpipes need attention, how often to clean them in SEQ and when to leave the ladder in the shed.
• Who should I call? Problem to trade, in plain English: Ceiling stain, power tripping, a gas smell, a sagging shade sail? See how urgent it is, what you can safely check and which trade to call.
• Simple home checks: ten minutes, no ladder: A safe walk-around from the ground and inside. Hidden leaks, ceiling stains, cracks, gutters and the safety switch. What it might mean and who to call.
• Could a flexi hose flood your house? Check it: Simple plumbing checks: flexi hoses, a leaking toilet, water pressure, the hot water relief valve and slow drains. What to look for and who to call.
• Is your tradie licensed? Check it in two minutes: A free QBCC licence check, step by step. Is it current, does the class cover the job, and the red flags that mean walk away.
• Is the cheapest quote missing half the job?: Twelve quick questions to check a quote: scope, exclusions, materials, payment terms, warranty and licence. Compare the quote, not just the number.
• Why your quotes go cold: a two-minute self-check: A lot of quotes are not lost on price. Seven yes or no questions for trade businesses to find where quotes leak between the enquiry and the yes.
• What are cold quotes costing your business?: Four sliders, two minutes, no sign-up. See what slips away a year when quotes go unanswered. Example only: revenue, not profit.
• Property manager storm checklist: are you ready?: A storm hits every property on your list at once. Twelve quick questions for property managers and landlords: what is done, and what to sort first.

Linc Point

Linc Point (sometimes spelt Link Point), ABN 48 535 502 159. Call 0458 381 559 or email linc@lincpoint.com.au. Brisbane and South East Queensland, Bribie Island to Helensvale. Website: lincpoint.com.au. Tools for trade businesses: lincpoint.online.