Why three quotes can still mislead you
This is not always deliberate. Some tradespeople quote minimally because that's how they learned to quote. Others do it knowingly because a low number gets them through the door. Either way, the risk to you is the same.
The protection is a written scope document that every tradesperson quotes against — prepared by you before the quotes come in, not assembled afterward from whatever they happened to include.
Write the scope before you call anyone
Before contacting a single tradesperson, write down in plain language what you want done. This becomes the brief every tradesperson quotes against. It does not need to be technical — it needs to be complete.
- What work needs to be done Describe the outcome you want, not the method. "Replace the hot water system" not "install a Rheem 315L." Let them quote the method — you compare what they choose.
- What is included in the price Explicitly state: site preparation, removal of existing materials, rubbish removal and disposal, making good any surfaces disturbed.
- Materials — specify grade, not brand "Concrete pavers — 600x600, min 40mm thickness" is enough. If you have a preference, state it — but let them quote standard grade unless you have a reason to specify premium.
- What happens if additional work is found Ask each tradesperson to confirm in writing how variations are handled — are they quoted separately before proceeding, or will you be billed at the end?
- Timeline — defined, not vague "Work to commence within 2 weeks of acceptance, completed within 5 working days" is a scope item. "As soon as possible" is not.
- Who does the work Ask whether they or a subcontractor will be on site. If subcontracted, ask who, and whether that person is licensed for the work.
"I'm getting three quotes for this job. Could you please quote against the scope below, and let me know in writing what is and isn't included in your price, your payment terms, and your timeline. I'll be comparing all three quotes on the same basis."
What to actually compare — side by side
| Compare this | What to look for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of work | Does it match your written brief exactly? What's missing? | Vague scope — "general roof repairs as required" |
| Materials specified | Brand, grade, thickness, standard. Should be explicit. | "Standard materials" with no specification |
| Inclusions vs exclusions | Is rubbish removal included? Site prep? Making good? | Long exclusions list on a cheap quote |
| Variations process | Written confirmation required before additional work proceeds | "Any additional work will be billed at cost" |
| Deposit amount | 10% or less is standard for most residential work | 50%+ deposit before work begins |
| Payment schedule | Progress payments tied to milestones, not dates | Full payment required before completion |
| Warranty | Labour warranty period stated. Materials warranty passed through. | No warranty mentioned |
| Insurance | Public liability cover confirmed | Cannot or will not confirm insurance |
| Licence number | Stated on the quote, verifiable on state register | Not included — ask for it |
Choosing the right quote — not just the right price
Once scope is equalised — everyone quoting the same job — price is one factor among several. The tradesperson you choose will be in your home, potentially unsupervised, for days or weeks. Their communication style during the quote process is a signal for how they'll behave on site.
| Factor | What good looks like |
|---|---|
| Communication | Responds promptly, answers questions directly, doesn't hedge |
| Quote detail | Itemised enough that you could check progress against it |
| References | Offers references without being asked, or provides them readily |
| Scope questions | Asks clarifying questions — shows they've read your brief |
| Timeline realism | Gives a realistic window, not an optimistic one designed to win the job |