How to Compare Quotes: A Guide to Getting the Best Deal

Getting multiple quotes is the single most effective way to save money on any home project. Research consistently shows that homeowners who compare at least 3 quotes save between 20 and 35 percent compared to those who go with the first quote they receive. But comparing quotes is only useful if you do it properly.

How Many Quotes Should You Get?

Three is the minimum. For larger projects (extensions, retrofits, roofing), getting 4 or 5 quotes gives you a better picture of the market. For smaller jobs (plumbing repairs, painting), 3 is usually sufficient.

Be realistic about the number. Getting 10 quotes wastes everyone's time. Each contractor invests time and effort in providing a quote, and you need to respect that.

How to Request Quotes Effectively

Give every contractor the same brief. Write down exactly what you want done, with as much detail as possible. If you have drawings or specifications, share them with every contractor. The more specific your brief, the more comparable the quotes will be.

Show each contractor the same things during their site visit. Point out the same issues, ask the same questions, and provide the same access.

What to Look for in a Quote

A good quote should include a detailed breakdown of labour and materials, a clear scope of what is and is not included, a timeline for the work, payment terms, and VAT treatment. Be wary of quotes that are just a single number with no breakdown.

Check whether the quote includes making good (cleaning up, repainting adjacent areas, removing waste). These extras can add up if they are not included.

The Cheapest Quote Is Not Always the Best

If one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, ask why. The contractor may have misunderstood the scope, may be cutting corners on materials, or may be pricing low to win the job and then adding extras later. A quote that is 20 to 30 percent below the average should raise questions.

Similarly, the most expensive quote is not automatically the best. Some contractors price high because they are busy and are not particularly interested in winning the job.

Check References and Insurance

Before making your decision, ask for references from recent similar projects and actually call them. Ask the referee if the work was completed on time, on budget, and to a good standard. Also verify that the contractor has public liability insurance and, where applicable, relevant trade certifications.

Put It in Writing

Once you have chosen a contractor, confirm the agreed scope, price, timeline, and payment terms in writing before work begins. This protects both parties and reduces the risk of disputes later. A simple email confirmation is usually sufficient for smaller jobs, while larger projects should have a formal contract.

Red Flags in Quotes

A written quote should be clear, specific, and professional. Watch out for these warning signs:

Vague line items. If a quote says "plastering works" with no specification of area, materials, or finish, you cannot compare it with another quote that breaks these down. Ask for itemised detail.

No site visit. Any quote given without an in-person inspection of the work is a rough estimate at best. Contractors who quote over the phone or by email alone are more likely to hit you with extras once the job starts.

No VAT breakdown. Legitimate contractors should show VAT separately. A quote that avoids mentioning VAT may indicate cash-only work, which leaves you without consumer protections or recourse if something goes wrong.

Unusually low pricing. If one quote comes in 40 percent below the others, question why. The contractor may be underquoting to win the job and then raising the price through variations once work is underway. Or they may be cutting corners on materials.

No timeline. A good quote includes a start date, estimated duration, and completion date. Without this, you have no basis for holding the contractor accountable for delays.

If you are comparing quotes for a specific trade, our service pages have typical price ranges for every county in Ireland. Try painter quotes, plumber quotes, or electrician quotes to see what you should expect to pay.

When to Renegotiate

You do not always have to accept a quote as is. There are situations where asking for a revised price is both reasonable and expected:

When you are getting multiple jobs done together. A contractor who is already on site for one job may offer a discount for additional work. For example, if you are getting a kitchen fitted and also need tiling in the bathroom, bundling the work can save on mobilisation costs.

When you can be flexible on timing. Contractors often have quieter periods between November and February. Offering to schedule work during off-peak months can result in lower prices.

When you find a genuine price difference. Showing a contractor that you have a lower quote for the same specification (not a vaguer or smaller scope) is a legitimate basis for negotiation. Most will at least explain the price difference, and some will match it.

Do not try to renegotiate by withholding information or playing contractors off against each other dishonestly. The Irish trades market is small, and professionals talk to each other. A straightforward approach works best. For more guidance on finding trusted contractors, visit IrishPropertyGuide.ie.