Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: How to Accurately Read a Home Renovation Quote

🛠️ Planning a home renovation? Whether you're updating your kitchen, finishing a basement, or finally tackling that bathroom refresh, you’ve likely reached the point where you're collecting quotes from contractors, installers, or material suppliers. But here’s the thing—not all quotes are created equal.

A quote might look professional and promising on the surface, but if you don’t know what to look for, you could be hit with unexpected costs later in the project. Below, we’re sharing what every homeowner should know to accurately read and compare renovation quotes—so you can budget smart and avoid surprises.

1. Make Sure It’s a Complete Quote — Not Just a Pretty Number

Too often, homeowners receive a single-page quote with a lump sum and a vague description like “install tile” or “kitchen materials.” While that may sound straightforward, it’s not enough.

Look for quotes that clearly break down:

• Scope of work (what exactly they’re doing)

• Materials and labor (are both included?)

• Unit pricing (cost per square foot, per item, etc.)

• Timeline (how long will the work take to complete?)

If it’s not itemized, ask for it to be.

2. Ask About All Costs — Including Sales Tax and Delivery Fees

Many vendors and installers forget—or intentionally omit—sales tax, delivery fees, permit costs, or haul-away charges in their initial quote.

Before accepting a bid, confirm:

• Is sales tax included?

• Is there a delivery or handling charge?

• Who pays for permits or dumpster fees?

• Will they remove old materials or is that extra?

It’s better to ask now than pay more later.

3. Don’t Overlook the “Exclusions” Section

A reputable quote should include a clear list of exclusions—that is, what the contractor or vendor is not doing or supplying.

This helps eliminate confusion and finger-pointing later. Some common exclusions include:

• Electrical hookups or disconnections when replacing appliances, etc

• Installation included?

• Does the fabrication include paint?

If the quote doesn’t list exclusions, ask for them to be included in writing.

4. Compare Apples to Apples

You might get three different quotes that vary wildly in price. Before assuming one is “too expensive” or “a great deal,” make sure you're comparing the same scope of work. A low quote may be missing key items—or may rely on lower-grade materials. A high quote may include more services, warranties, or prep work.

Use a spreadsheet or checklist to compare:

• Inclusions and exclusions

• Material grade or brand

• Warranty or workmanship coverage

• Timeline and labor scope

5. Bonus Tip: Get It All in Writing

Verbal agreements don’t hold up when stress and deadlines hit. Ask for a formal, written quote that clearly outlines:

• Payment schedule

• Change order process

• Start and end dates

• Contact information

Final Thoughts

Home renovations are an exciting investment—but only when you're empowered with the right information. By learning how to read a quote with a critical eye, you can confidently plan your project, avoid costly surprises, and enjoy the finished results knowing you stayed within budget.