Plain-English guide
How to read a tradie's quote (and avoid surprise costs)
The cheapest quote is usually the one that left something out. Here's how to read a tradie's quote properly — the difference between a quote and an estimate, what an itemised quote should contain, and the three words (variation, provisional sum, exclusion) that decide whether the final bill matches the number you were shown.
Quote vs estimate — the difference matters
An estimate is a ballpark — an educated guess at the likely cost, which can move. A quote is a firm, fixed price to do a defined scope of work. They're often used loosely, but the distinction is the whole game: if you agree to a fixed-price quote, that's what you pay (barring genuine variations); if you agree to an 'estimate', you've agreed to something that can drift upward.
When you're comparing tradies, make sure you're comparing quotes for the same scope — not one tradie's fixed quote against another's optimistic estimate. Ask directly: 'Is this a fixed-price quote or an estimate?' A professional will be clear about which it is.
What a proper quote should contain
- The scope, in detail
Exactly what work is being done — not 'renovate bathroom' but the specific tasks. Vague scope is where disputes are born.
- Inclusions and exclusions
What's covered and, just as importantly, what isn't. 'Excludes tiling' or 'excludes making good' is where a cheap-looking quote makes its money back.
- Materials
What's supplied by the tradie vs by you, and to what standard or brand. 'Supply and install' is different from 'install only'.
- A clear total, with GST
One total price, stated to include or exclude GST — so you're not surprised by another 10% at invoice time.
- Payment terms
Deposit, any progress stages, and when the balance is due (ideally on completion).
The three words that move the final bill
| Term | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Variation | A change to the agreed work — extra tasks, a change of mind, or something found mid-job. Should be quoted and agreed in writing before it's done, not sprung on you at the end. |
| Provisional sum | An allowance for an item whose exact cost isn't known yet (e.g. tiles you haven't chosen). The final cost can be more or less — so a low provisional sum can make a quote look cheaper than it'll end up. |
| Exclusion | Work deliberately left out of the price. The most common reason one quote beats another — check the exclusions before you judge on total. |
Comparing quotes without getting fooled
Line the quotes up on scope, not just total. If one is dramatically cheaper, find out why before you celebrate — it's almost always a smaller scope, cheaper materials, a lowball provisional sum, or exclusions the others included. The genuine bargain is rare; the quote that 'forgot' the expensive part is common.
And weigh more than price. A slightly dearer quote from a licensed, well-reviewed tradie who communicated clearly and itemised properly is usually cheaper in the end than the lowest number from someone vague. Below are top-rated local trades to get comparable quotes from — or post your job once and let suitable locals quote it.
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Post your job — freeCommon questions
What's the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is a firm, fixed price for a defined scope of work — that's what you pay, barring agreed variations. An estimate is a ballpark that can move. Always ask a tradie whether they're giving you a fixed-price quote or an estimate, and compare like with like.
What should be in a tradie's quote?
A detailed scope of work, clear inclusions and exclusions, what materials are supplied and by whom, a single total stating whether GST is included, and payment terms. Vague scope and hidden exclusions are where surprise costs come from.
What is a provisional sum in a quote?
An allowance for an item whose exact cost isn't known yet — like tiles or fittings you haven't chosen. The real cost can end up higher or lower, so a low provisional sum can make a quote look cheaper than the job will actually be. Check what the allowances assume.
Why is one quote so much cheaper than the others?
Usually because it covers less: a smaller scope, cheaper materials, a lowball provisional sum, or exclusions the other quotes included. Compare quotes on scope rather than headline total, and be cautious of any price dramatically below the rest.
Want a price estimate? Bathroom Renovation cost calculator →
General information only, not legal advice. Licensing and insurance requirements vary by state and territory and change over time — always confirm current requirements with your state regulator and get professional advice before acting.