What a design-and-build quotation actually covers — and what it doesn't

Two quotations for the same office can differ by 40% — not because one firm is greedy, but because they scoped the job differently. Knowing what sits inside a quote is how you compare fairly.

What should be itemised

A clear quote separates design, construction, M&E, AV/IT, furniture and authority submissions. If these are bundled into one lump sum, you can't tell what's included or what a change will cost later.

Where the gaps hide

The cheapest quote often excludes the expensive-but-necessary parts: fire-safety works, reinstatement of existing services, landlord requirements, or proper testing and commissioning. These reappear later as variations.

Questions to ask before signing

Ask what's excluded, how variations are priced, and whether authority submissions and making-good are inside the number. A slightly higher quote with nothing hidden is usually the cheaper project.