For UK builders

Builder quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a building quote that sets out scope, terms and VAT properly, so you look established and win the job.

What a builder quote should include

A builder quote has to do two jobs at once. It has to price the work, and it has to make the customer trust that you have thought the job through. The quotes that win are rarely the cheapest. They are the ones that look considered next to a rival who sent a number by text. Here is what a good building quote lists.

• Your business details. Trading name, address, phone, email, and your VAT number if you are registered. Mention public liability cover. This tells the customer you are a real business, not a weekend job.
• The customer and the site. Their name and the full property address where the work happens.
• A specific scope of work. Not "rear extension" but the size, the build method, the finish standard and what stage you leave it at. The more precise the scope, the fewer arguments later.
• A cost breakdown by section. Groundworks, structure, walls and roof, windows and doors, plastering, first and second fix. A breakdown is trusted far more than a single lump sum.
• Materials and labour. Price materials at merchant rates with a margin for waste, and cost labour honestly by the days the job actually takes.
• VAT. If registered, show subtotal, 20% VAT and the total. If not registered, say so plainly.
• Timeline. A start window and a realistic duration, for example eight to ten weeks from an agreed start.
• Payment terms. Stage payments tied to milestones for larger jobs. Keep any deposit modest.
• Exclusions. If decoration, electrics or skip hire are not included, say so. Clear exclusions protect both sides.
• A validity period. "Valid for 30 days" so you are not tied to a stale price when material costs move.

A builder quote example

The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every job from your own merchant prices and day rate.

Scope note: "Single storey rear extension, 4m by 3m, to Building Control specification, left at a ready to decorate standard. Excludes flooring, decoration and kitchen supply." Terms note: "Price assumes existing drainage is sound. Any variation agreed in writing before work proceeds. Valid for 30 days."

The mistakes that cost builders money on a quote

Most lost jobs and most disputes come from a small number of avoidable habits.

• Vague scope. "Kitchen extension" invites the customer to assume more is included than you meant. Spell out the size, method and finish.
• No variations clause. If you do not say how extras get priced, every change becomes an argument. Put "variations agreed in writing before proceeding" on every quote.
• Confusing a quote with an estimate. A quote is a fixed price the customer can hold you to. An estimate can move. Label the document as one or the other and never both. See quote vs estimate for the difference.
• Quoting by text. "Ext 25k" does not inspire confidence and gives you no scope to point back to if the job changes.
• Undercharging to win. You feel it halfway through. Price it properly and let the quality of the quote sell it.

Should a builder send a quote or an estimate?

Send a quote when the job is visible and measurable, so you can commit to a firm price with confidence. Send an estimate when there is honest uncertainty you cannot price away yet, such as suspected damp of unknown extent or foundations you have not opened up. Give the estimate, then follow with a firm quote once you can see the work. The full breakdown is in our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades.

This page is practical quoting guidance, not legal advice. Consumer rules can apply differently depending on the customer and the job. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.

Builder quote FAQ

Related guides: How to write a professional building quote · What to include in a building quote · All trade quote templates · Electrician template · Plumber template