Every question, every answer, every source

Choosing between three house quotes can feel tricky because the cheapest option isn't always the best value. The goal is to work out which quote gives you the right scope of work, confidence in the person doing it, and the lowest risk of unexpected costs.

I'll walk you through it step by step. You don't need to make the decision all at once, and you don't need to be an expert in building.

Step 1: What kind of house quotes are they?

First, let's establish what you're comparing, because the checks for a new build are different from those for a renovation or a roof replacement.

Step 2: Make sure you're comparing like with like

Before comparing prices, check whether all three contractors have priced the same job. New Zealand's Building Performance guidance recommends checking the scope, materials, fixtures and subcontractor costs carefully. Before building work startsChoosing a building practitioner

Use this checklist for each quote:

Your comparison checklist

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The same work is included

Materials, fittings and quality are comparable

Labour and subcontractors are included

GST is included

Removal of waste, scaffolding and other extras are accounted for

Exclusions and provisional allowances are clearly listed

Start date and estimated duration are stated

Any unchecked item is something to clarify before making a final decision.

Step 3: Find the real cost

Don't automatically choose the lowest headline price. Look for things that could increase the final bill:

• Exclusions: work you'll have to pay someone else to do.
• Provisional sums: allowances for work whose cost isn't yet known.
• Prime cost allowances: budgets for items such as taps, tiles or appliances that might not cover your actual choices.
• Variations: extra costs if the scope changes.

Ask each contractor to explain these in plain language and confirm the likely additional costs in writing. A quote and an estimate are different: an accepted quote generally fixes the price for the specified work, while an estimate is an approximation. ​​Quotes and estimatesBefore building work starts

Step 4: Assess who you can trust to do the work

Compare more than the price:

• Experience: have they done similar work successfully?
• References: can you speak with previous customers or see completed projects?
• Communication: do they answer questions clearly and promptly?
• Qualifications and insurance: are the required licences in place, and what insurance cover do they have?
• Project management: who coordinates trades, handles problems and keeps you informed?

A contractor who is transparent about risks may be a safer choice than one who promises the lowest price without explaining how they'll deliver it. Before building work startsChoosing a building practitioner

Step 5: Check the contract before committing

In New Zealand, residential building work costing $30,000 or more, including GST, requires a written contract. It's wise to have one for smaller projects too. Before signing, make sure it covers the scope, price, payment schedule, timing, variations and dispute resolution. Why contracts are valuableHomeowner rights and obligations

Don't feel pressured to accept a quote simply because it expires soon. Get any important promises or clarifications in writing first.

Step 6: Let's compare your actual three quotes

The most useful next step is to look at the numbers and details together. You can paste the quotes here or upload photos/PDFs, with personal details and your property address removed.

I'll help you identify missing work, hidden cost risks, value for money and the strongest option. If you share the prices first, I can start with those and work through the rest with you.