Estimation & Quote Request Service Guide

Scope of Works

• Review project brief, drawings, photos or on‑site measurements.

• Conduct site visit to verify access, ground conditions, existing services and health‑and‑safety factors.

• Compile schedule of works and materials take‑off with current trade/labour rates.

• Prepare written cost estimate or fixed‑price quotation, including provisional sums and contingency.

• Highlight planning, building‑control or CDM obligations that may affect budget.

• Present estimate, answer queries and revise figures once (if included).

• Supply digital copy in PDF/Excel and, where agreed, a high‑level programme of works.

Typical Cost

Time on Site

• 30–90 minutes for a standard domestic survey.

Desk compilation typically 3–6 hours off‑site, delivered within 2–5 working days.Longer if drawings incomplete, multiple trades to price, or rapid turnaround requested.

Questions to Ask Your Trade

1. Are you RICS, CIOB or similarly accredited, and can you provide sample reports?

2. Does the fee include one round of revisions after design tweaks?

3. Will you benchmark prices against local labour and material indices current to 2025?

4. How do you handle provisional sums and contingency allowances?

5. Can you break down the estimate into labour, materials and preliminaries for lender approval?

6. What format will the final document be supplied in—PDF, Excel, BIM?

7. Are site health‑and‑safety or planning fees factored into the figure or noted separately?

   
   

How to Avoid Surprises

• Supply complete, scaled drawings and specifications before the visit.

• Ensure clear parking and access to all areas for measurement.

• Flag known constraints (asbestos, party‑wall issues, restricted working hours) early.

• Confirm whether VAT is included throughout the estimate.

• Agree the turnaround time and cost for additional revisions before signing the engagement letter.