Building or renovating: take control from start to finish

Before work begins, define the work, materials and quality you expect. Review the quote, put the agreement in writing and keep track of progress to check that the work matches what you agreed.

Whether you are building a home or renovating the one you have, prepare for the decisions at each stage.

Prepare your quote request

What should you decide before asking for a quote?

Start by describing the result you want and the work needed. The clearer your request, the easier it is to understand what the quote includes.

Work with the relevant professionals to gather the information and send it with your request. If you have not decided on a material or solution, say so and ask for alternatives to be priced separately.

What to include in your request

Use this list to prepare and review the information you will send.

  • Describe the work, room by room or area by area.
  • Gather any plans, drawings, measurements and quantities.
  • Decide on materials, finishes and equipment.
  • List what is included and excluded from the request.
  • Clarify who supplies the materials and who carries out each task.
  • Explain site access and how the home will be used during the work.
  • Share your preferred dates and any known constraints.
  • List questions that still need an answer from the relevant professionals.

Review the quote before you accept it.

Amounts that do not add up, unclear materials or work excluded from the price: reviewing the quote helps you identify what to clarify with the contractor before you proceed.

Illustrative example · quote review

One quote, specific points to clarify.

3 points to clarify

flooring-quote.pdf

Illustrative document

Floor replacement

Fictional quote · amounts exclude VAT

Line items and amounts in the fictional quote.
WorkAmount
Removal of existing flooring45 m² × €10/m²€450
Ceramic flooring and installation45 m² × €62/m²€2,790
Stated total
€3,390
“Waste removal not included.”

Points to clarify in the quote

  • Amount to confirm
    The total does not match the line items

    The line items add up to €3,240, but the stated total is €3,390.

    Ask for the total to be corrected or for a breakdown of the extra €150.

  • Material not specified
    The flooring specification is missing

    The quote says “ceramic flooring” but gives no brand or product reference.

    Ask them to identify the material and finish they will supply.

  • Work excluded
    Waste removal is excluded

    The document excludes waste removal but gives no price for it.

    Confirm who will handle it and how much it will add to the total.

How do you choose a contractor?

Get to know the company you plan to hire and the team that will be on site. Ask for examples of similar work and references you can contact (with their consent).

Check the contractor's licence in the IMPIC register and ask the relevant professionals whether it covers your project. Checking the register is one step; experience and the proposal also need to be assessed.

Questions to ask

  • What similar projects have you completed, and who oversaw them?
  • Who will be responsible for the work and your day-to-day contact?
  • Which tasks will be subcontracted, and how will they be coordinated?
  • Are you available on the dates we have in mind?
  • How will problems be communicated and decisions recorded?

What should be agreed in writing?

The contract and supporting documents should make each party's commitments clear. Resolve questions before work begins.

Work and materials

Identify the project documents and versions that form part of the agreement. Record the selected materials and finishes, inclusions and exclusions.

Dates and payments

Agree on stages, deadlines and payment terms. Clarify how completed work will be demonstrated before each payment.

Responsibilities

Set out who coordinates the work, supplies materials and answers the homeowner's questions. Agree on contacts and how you will communicate.

How changes are handled

If a change or unforeseen issue comes up, ask for the proposed solution and its effect on cost, timing and quality. Record approval before the work begins.

How do you monitor the work?

Keep the project documents and agreement to hand, record decisions and follow up on open questions. Before approving a payment, ask for the work and quantities to be explained.

Independent technical inspection can help check that the work matches the plans, materials and quality agreed. Learn what you can monitor as the homeowner and what a qualified inspector can do.

Learn about independent inspection

Keep a record you can follow up on.

For each question, record the location, date, what needs clarification, who will respond and the next step. Attach relevant photos or documents and note when the issue is resolved.

What should you check before signing off the work?

Review the work with the people responsible and compare it with what you agreed. Record anything unfinished or needing correction, and agree who will follow up and by when.

  • Check the agreed work and approved changes.
  • Ask a qualified professional to assess construction and performance issues.
  • Gather the applicable final documents, invoices, warranties and equipment manuals.
  • Keep a record of open issues and follow up on the corrections.
  • Confirm any outstanding amounts and the contract terms for closing the project.