How to Read a Construction Quote (and Avoid Overpaying)
Most cost overruns start in the quote. If you can read a bill of quantities and spot vague line items, you can avoid the surprises that show up mid-project.
By Urban Groups ·
Lump sum vs itemised
A single lump-sum figure tells you almost nothing about what you're buying. An itemised bill of quantities (BOQ) lists each item — cement, steel, bricks, tiles, fittings — with its brand, specification, quantity and rate. That transparency is what lets you compare quotes fairly and hold the builder to what was promised.
If a quote won't break down to this level, treat that as a warning sign.
Red flags to watch for
Watch for vague descriptions ('branded tiles' with no brand named), missing quantities, 'as per site' pricing on major items, and exclusions buried in fine print. Also check whether GST, statutory charges and site conditions are stated or hidden.
Unusually low quotes often rely on cheaper substitutions later — the brand you pictured quietly becomes a lower tier once work starts.
Questions to ask before you sign
Ask for the exact make and rate of every major material, a clear list of what's excluded, how variations are priced, and how payments map to inspected milestones. A good builder answers all of these in writing, because their pricing is designed to be read, not decoded.