A quote should describe the job you are buying
A total price without a written scope is difficult to assess. The quote should identify the room, drawings or site information used, what will be removed, what will be retained and the finished outcome. It should also state whether the layout stays as existing or which fixtures and services will move.
Look for detail about protection to floors and access paths, demolition, waste removal, substrate preparation, installation, cleaning and handover. If an item is important to you, do not assume it is included because it appears on a concept image.
Trade and construction inclusions
A bathroom quote should make the responsibilities between the builder, owner and specialist trades clear. Depending on scope, the written inclusions may cover:
- site establishment, access protection and demolition;
- carpentry or substrate repair identified at inspection;
- plumbing and electrical disconnection, rough-in and fit-off;
- waterproofing preparation and the nominated compliance pathway;
- tiling extent, pattern, trim or edge treatment and grout;
- painting, ventilation, glazing, joinery and final cleaning;
- certificates, documentation or approvals required for the agreed work.
Some concealed conditions cannot be confirmed before demolition. A clear quote should explain the assumption made and the process for pricing and approving additional work if that assumption proves incorrect.
Check prime cost items and other allowances
NSW Fair Trading explains that fixtures not selected when the contract is signed may be listed as prime cost items. The amount should reflect the expected cost based on available information. Ask whether GST, delivery, installation and the builder’s margin are included or treated separately.
| Allowance | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Tiles | What supply rate, size and square metres are allowed? |
| Tapware and sanitaryware | Which items are included and at what allowance per item? |
| Joinery | Is the vanity standard, custom or owner supplied? |
| Provisional work | Why is the exact scope unknown and how will the final amount be evidenced? |
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Discuss Your Project →Exclusions should be as visible as inclusions
Common exclusions can include asbestos testing or removal, major structural repair, authority fees, owner-supplied items, painting outside the room, temporary accommodation and rectification of unknown previous work. An exclusion is not automatically unreasonable; the risk comes from discovering it only after work begins.
Confirm who orders products, who checks dimensions, who stores them and what happens if an owner-supplied item arrives late, damaged or incompatible.
Compare scope before price
- Give each contractor the same drawings, photos and product information.
- Place the quotes side by side and match line items.
- Highlight assumptions, allowances and exclusions.
- Check the proposed sequence, access arrangements and responsibilities.
- Ask for written clarification before treating two totals as comparable.
For current NSW contract guidance, review NSW Fair Trading’s building and renovation contract information. This guide is general information and does not replace project-specific advice or an independently reviewed contract.
Next, read about bathroom renovation cost drivers and bathroom waterproofing questions.
