Compare renovation quotes

Two quotes.What’s behind the price gap?

Different totals. Different descriptions. It’s hard to tell what the extra money actually buys.

Compare the work, quantities, materials, scope, payments and warranty first. Ask each firm to fill in missing details so you can compare the same work.

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Illustration only · Invented amounts, not market rates

Both say “demolition”. What’s included?

Quote ANT$28,000

Quote BNT$35,000

Demolition

Quote A: Lump sum

Quote B: Kitchen & bathroom

Waste removal

Quote A: Not stated

Quote B: Included

Shared-area protection

Quote A: Not stated

Quote B: Included

Does A charge extra for removal and protection?

We don’t know yet. Ask A to list what is included and excluded. Then check that both quotes cover the same demolition work.

“Not stated” does not mean “excluded”. These figures alone cannot tell you which offer costs more for the same work.

READRead the detail

COMPARECompare the differences

DISCUSSAsk clear questions

With your quotes in front of you

What still needs an answer?

Select anything you’re unsure about. We’ll turn it into a message you can send. Leave confirmed items unchecked—even one question is a useful start.

Select the points you need to ask about

Is any work missing?

Match the main work packages: demolition, electrical, tiling, cabinetry. If an item is absent, ask whether it is bundled elsewhere, excluded or simply missing from the document.

How to read a quote

Are the quantities and units comparable?

One quote lists 20 square metres; another says “lump sum”. Ask for the quantity, unit and measurement method before comparing unit prices.

What to check in a lump sum

Are you getting the same materials?

“Built-in cabinet” says little about what arrives. Check dimensions, boards, thickness, hardware and the internal layout.

Check material specifications

Who pays for removal and making good?

Look for demolition, protection, handling, waste removal, repairs and cleaning. Ask for a separate price or pricing method for excluded work.

What must be done before you pay?

A 30% payment on signing is different from 30% after materials arrive. Compare the timing and the work tied to each payment.

Read payment milestones

What happens if the work changes?

Check the schedule, change process, acceptance, defect correction and warranty. Ask for verbal agreements to be included in the revised documents.

When the replies arrive

Compare again—with the missing detail.

Keep complete, dated versions
Keep each firm’s quote, drawings, material list and attachments together. Retain older versions so you can check what changed.
List excluded work separately
Add a separate amount for work you need that is excluded. If its cost is unknown, mark it “awaiting a price”—not zero.
Decide what the difference buys
Once quantities, specifications and scope can be checked, compare price, payment timing, schedule and service against your needs and budget.

Need help reading the detail?

Let SII help you make sense of the quotes.

Upload quotes from multiple firms, pages or versions together. Free Key Results cover Document Maturity, main risk indicators and points to clarify, so you know what to ask next.

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PDFs, clear photos or screenshots. Results arrive at your confirmed email address within 3–5 business days.

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A few more questions

Can I compare just two quotes in different formats?

Yes. Group the work into matching categories such as demolition, electrical and cabinetry. The formats can stay different. List the missing quantities, specifications and exclusions, then ask each firm to fill in the gaps.

Does a large price gap mean someone is overcharging?

The totals alone cannot tell you. Materials, quantities, scope, service and payment terms can differ. Ask each firm to explain its offer. Market-rate assessment and price appraisal are outside SII’s document-review service.

If everything is answered, is it safe to sign?

The list helps you gather comparison details; it cannot guarantee the project or a contractor’s performance. Check the full documents, site requirements and each party’s responsibilities. Seek qualified legal or engineering advice where needed.