Published 20/10/2026 1 min readChoosing a company
Why you need at least 3 quotes: price gaps of up to 30% for the same work
Why is it worth comparing at least 3 construction company quotes? Because price differences for the same scope often reach 20–30% of the budget. See how to read and compare estimates.
Market anecdote: the same roofing scope, 3 quotes — £7,600, £9,400, and £12,200. All three from companies with reviews and insurance. Difference: 60%.
Why the gap is so large
- Available capacity — a company with an empty calendar prices lower, an overloaded one higher.
- Estimates vs fixed-price — quotes cover different scopes, even if they "sound" the same.
- Margin on materials — some add 10%, others 30%.
- Subcontractors vs in-house team — this changes the cost structure.
How to compare offers fairly
- The same scope — break down the work in your request so you are comparing identical line items.
- Separate labour and materials — otherwise, you won't see where the difference lies.
- Ask what is NOT in the quote — the cheapest estimate often has the narrowest scope.
- Check deadlines and warranty — a more expensive quote with a 3-year warranty is often cheaper in the long run.
By posting a job on LocalTrader, you receive quotes in a single format — comparison takes minutes, not weeks.
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