Subcontractor quotation comparison.
Most main contractor estimates rely on subcontractor quotations. Comparing quotations properly — not just on price — protects your margin and ensures the work is covered.
Who this guide is for
Main contractors pricing trade packages, quantity surveyors reviewing quotations, and subcontractors preparing competitive bids.
What to compare
Look beyond the bottom line. Compare: scope of work included, exclusions and qualifications, programme duration and sequencing, payment terms, insurance cover, and whether the quotation includes supervision, welfare, waste removal, and testing. Two quotations at the same price can have very different scope cover.
Miniature example
Three plastering quotes for a refurbishment:
A: £12,500 — includes materials, labour, and scrimming
B: £10,800 — labour only, excludes materials and scrimming
C: £13,200 — fully inclusive with 2-coat finish
B is cheapest but with materials added (£2,400) the total is £13,200. A and C are comparable. C gets the work because of the specified finish quality.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest quotation without checking scope exclusions
- Not comparing quotations on the same basis — requesting apples-to-apples scope descriptions
- Solely using the lowest price without assessing the subcontractor's reliability and capacity
Related guides and tools
Learn about tender returns and preliminaries. Use the Construction Estimator to record and compare quotations.