More About Our Quotes

There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line.

Renovating your home can be an exciting and transformative experience, but one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How much will it cost?” As you embark on this journey, you’ll encounter various types of quotes and cost structures from different companies which can be quite confusing. In this information, we aim to clarify the renovation/project cost landscape by explaining the key concepts, such as fixed price quotes, cost plus quotes, and ballpark estimates. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and navigate the quoting process more effectively.

Fixed Price Quote:

A fixed price proposal, is where the builder offers a single, all-inclusive price for the entire  repair or renovation project. This price includes labour, materials, permits, and any other expenses necessary to complete the work. Fixed price quotes are often considered the most straightforward option as you have a clear and predetermined cost. This structure provides certainty and helps you stay within your budget. The main disadvantage of this approach is that there is often less flexibility over the project, as the client isn’t able to easily modify the scope or  design.   Also, companies and tradesmen may be more conservative in their estimates to minimize risk, especially given the increases in the costs of materials over the last few years.

Cost Plus Quote:

Although we rarely use this quoting method but - In contrast to a fixed price quote, a cost-plus quote is where the customer agrees to pay the contractors direct and indirect expenses for a construction project plus an additional fee representing the builder’s profit. The builder provides a thorough estimate of expenses upfront and then carefully documents and provides its records to the client. This approach offers transparency as you see exactly where your money is going. However, it can be less predictable than a fixed price quote because the final cost is contingent on the actual expenses, which can fluctuate depending on unforeseen circumstances or changes to the project scope. Cost plus quotes can be a good option if your project has a lot of unknown variables, but it’s essential to set a clear budget and monitor expenses closely.

Ballpark Estimate:

A ballpark estimate, also known as a rough estimate or budgetary estimate, is an initial cost projection provided by the  contractor before a detailed analysis of your project. It’s often a broad range of potential costs based on limited information. Ballpark estimates can be helpful for early planning and determining if your project is feasible within your budget. The figure you receive  is usually based on a combination of the size and difficulty of the project, past comparable projects that the contractor has done and finally, this is the most important part, your estimate will be based on the level of quality that particular contractor usually delivers.  This pricing can change significantly as the project progresses and more details become available. It’s essential to treat a ballpark estimate as a preliminary figure rather than a firm commitment.

Variations or Project Scope Modification:

Variations are changes or additions to the original scope that may incur extra costs. They can arise for various reasons, such as design alterations, unexpected structural issues, or upgrading materials. Understanding variations is crucial because they can impact your budget and timeline. It’s advisable to have a clear communication process with your contractor regarding variations, including when they are applicable and how they will be managed. This ensures that you stay informed and have the opportunity to make decisions that align with your goals and budget.