What is Building Quote Quality Score?
A building quote grader evaluates tradesperson quotes against industry best practices across 10 criteria including itemisation, insurance, payment terms, warranties, and timeline clarity. A high-scoring quote protects you financially and sets clear expectations for the project. Compare with the Renovation Readiness Calculator to ensure you are prepared before accepting any quote.
The Formula
Score = Sum of (Rule Weight) for each passed criterion, out of 100
Worked Example
A homeowner receives a kitchen renovation quote for $30,000 and grades it against 10 criteria.
- Itemized breakdown: Yes (15 points) ✓
- Insurance documentation: Provided (10 points) ✓
- Payment schedule: Staged payments (10 points) ✓
- Warranty terms: 2-year guarantee (10 points) ✓
- Start and completion dates: Specified (10 points) ✓
- Materials specified: Named brands and grades (10 points) ✓
- Change order clause: Included (10 points) ✓
- Penalty for delays: Not included (8 points) ✗
- Subcontractor disclosure: Not mentioned (7 points) ✗
- References provided: Not included (10 points) ✗
📌 The quote scores 77/100, passing 7 of 10 rules. The missing delay penalty, subcontractor disclosure, and references should be requested before signing.
Why This Matters
Financial protection
A well-structured quote with staged payments limits your exposure if work stops. Paying no more than 10-15% upfront protects against contractor insolvency, which affects 1 in 10 building projects.
Comparing quotes fairly
Without itemized breakdowns, comparing quotes is impossible. A $25,000 quote may exclude items a $35,000 quote includes. Grading each quote on the same criteria reveals true value, not just headline price.
Avoiding disputes
70% of building disputes stem from unclear scope or payment terms. A high-scoring quote with explicit materials, timelines, and change order clauses reduces the risk of costly disagreements mid-project.
Common Mistakes
❌ Accepting the cheapest quote
The cheapest quote often excludes key items or uses inferior materials. Quotes 20%+ below the average usually indicate corners being cut. Grade all quotes equally before comparing price.
❌ Paying too much upfront
Never pay more than 10-15% as a deposit. Staged payments tied to milestones (rough-in, finish, completion) protect you if the contractor underperforms or disappears.
❌ Not checking insurance
General liability insurance (minimum $1-2M) and workers compensation insurance are essential. Without them, you are personally liable for injuries on your property during the build.
Industry Benchmarks
| Category | Good | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen renovation | $15,000-25,000 | $25,000-40,000 | Above $50,000 |
| Addition | $50,000-80,000 | $80,000-120,000 | Above $150,000 |
| Attic conversion | $40,000-60,000 | $60,000-90,000 | Above $100,000 |
Source: NAHB and Remodeling Magazine
Benchmark data sourced from NAHB and Remodeling Magazine.