What should a renovation quote include?

Project identification

A quote should begin by clearly identifying which project it refers to: the address or space involved, the date of issue and a reference linking it to an earlier proposal or site visit. It may seem like an administrative detail, but it avoids ambiguity when several versions of the same quote exist during the decision process.

Scope

The scope describes, in clear language, what will be done — and, ideally, what is not included. This is what makes it possible to compare proposals from different companies: without a well-defined scope, two figures side by side may refer to different work. To explore this further, see our guide on how to compare construction quotes.

Sections and quantities

A detailed quote organises work into sections — for example, demolition, installations, finishes, carpentry — and links quantities to each one. This breakdown makes it possible to see where the total value is concentrated and makes it easier to assess any later changes.

Materials and labour

Wherever possible, it's useful for the quote to separate the cost of materials from the cost of labour, or at least clearly state which materials are being considered in each section. This is particularly relevant in sections where the choice of materials can vary significantly, such as finishes or bathroom fittings.

Exclusions

Just as important as what's included is what's explicitly left out — for example, furniture, appliances or work carried out by other parties. The absence of written exclusions doesn't mean everything is included: it simply means the point hasn't been clarified, which can lead to disagreements later.

VAT

The quote should state whether the figures presented include VAT or not, and at what rate. This information is often omitted or hard to spot, and has a direct impact on the final amount payable.

Validity and payment terms

A validity period indicates for how long the figures presented remain guaranteed, since material and labour prices can change over time. Payment terms — for example, how payments are spread across the project — should also be described.

Change procedure

A careful quote explains how any changes to the original scope are handled: how they are requested, how they are assessed and how their impact on price is communicated. The principle to remember is simple: the price only changes when the scope changes — and always in writing.

Schedule assumptions

Many quotes assume certain conditions for meeting the planned schedule — for example, continuous access to the space or client decisions being made within given timeframes. These assumptions should be stated, so it's clear what could affect the estimated completion time. On this topic, see also our guide on how long it takes to renovate an apartment.

An example structure

For illustration only, and without representing an actual project or real figures, a renovation quote might be structured, for example, as follows:

• Project and proposal identification
• Description of the scope of works
• Section — Demolition and removal
• Section — Installations (electrics, plumbing)
• Section — Finishes and flooring
• Section — Carpentry and metalwork
• Section — Painting and finishing touches
• Exclusions
• Applicable VAT
• Payment terms
• Validity of the proposal
• Schedule assumptions

To learn about the scope of this service and how each project is assessed, visit our renovations page. To understand how we structure this phase, see the Rigor Method.