How to Read a Renovation Quote — and 7 Warning Signs of a Bad One

Two quotes for the same job can look completely different, and the cheaper one isn’t automatically the worse deal — but it often is. Here’s what to actually check.

What a proper quote includes

A fixed, itemised quote should show demolition and waste removal, materials (ideally by brand or spec, not just “tiles” or “tapware”), labour, site protection, clean-up, and certification where required. If a line item is missing, ask whether it’s included elsewhere or genuinely excluded — and get the answer in writing.

Seven warning signs of a bad quote

1. No site inspection before the number. A fixed price for a bathroom or kitchen without anyone actually looking at the space is a guess, not a quote. Expect it to change once work starts.

2. A single lump sum with no breakdown. If you can’t see what you’re paying for — materials versus labour, room by room — you can’t tell whether it’s fair, and you definitely can’t tell what a “variation” is actually adding.

3. No mention of waterproofing in a wet area job. For a bathroom or laundry, waterproofing should be an explicit line item, not assumed. If it’s not there, ask directly.

4. A deposit larger than 10% on a job over $20,000. This is a legal cap in NSW, not a negotiating point. A request for more is a real red flag.

5. Vague material specification. “Tiles” and “tapware” with no brand, model or grade attached means you won’t know what you’re getting until it arrives — and by then it’s hard to push back.

6. No mention of licence, insurance or warranty. A legitimate contractor can show you a current licence and insurance certificate, and should be explicit about warranty terms before you sign anything.

7. Pressure to sign quickly, or a price that “expires” in 24 hours. A fair quote doesn’t need artificial urgency to close. Take the time to compare.

The real test

Ask any renovator for an itemised breakdown, their licence number, and their warranty terms in writing. A legitimate business will hand all three over without hesitation — including us.