Quote vs estimate: The key difference that could save you thousands

When planning a home renovation or repair, securing a final price is often the most nerve-wracking step. You contact a tradesperson, they visit your property, and they send you a document. But does it say ‘Quote’ or ‘Estimate’? Knowing the difference is the first step toward a successful project.

For most homeowners, these two words are interchangeable. But in the world of professional UK trades, the difference is massive. Mixing them up could lead to unexpected fees, legal disputes, and cost you thousands more than you bargained for. We are defining the essential tradesperson pricing terms and why understanding them is vital for your financial safety.

What is a quote? The fixed price promise

A quote is a legally binding offer to carry out specific work for a precise, guaranteed sum.

Key Feature	Description
Price Certainty	The final price is fixed. Once the quote is accepted, the tradesperson cannot charge more, unless you formally agree to change the scope of work.
Legal Agreement	A formal quote, once accepted, forms a fixed price quote legal agreement. It confirms the commitment of the tradesperson to the cost and the scope defined.
Detail Required	A true quote requires the tradesperson to know every detail: materials, labour time, access, and specifications.
Validity Period	Quotes usually have an expiry date (e.g., 30 days) after which the tradesperson can withdraw the offer.

In short: A quote is a commitment to a number.

What is an estimate? The educated guess

An estimate is an informed approximation or a best guess of what a job will cost.

Key Feature	Description
Price Flexibility	The final cost can—and often will—be higher or lower than the estimated amount. It is not guaranteed.
Legal Status	An estimate is not a legal offer. It is merely a projection of cost, and the tradesperson is generally free to charge you the actual final cost of labour and materials.
Detail Required	Estimates are often provided when a tradesperson cannot fully assess the job (e.g., behind a wall, or before site investigations).
Usage	Estimates are most useful for budgeting purposes or initial cost comparison.

The crucial difference: Why you could save thousands

Understanding the difference is key to managing the fixed price contract risk on your project. Here is how relying on the wrong term can impact your finances:

Scenario	Risk of Estimate	Security of Quote
Unexpected Problem	If the electrician finds a major wiring issue, the final bill will be higher than the estimated amount.	If the work falls within the original scope (e.g., “rewire the house”), the cost remains the same.
Time Overrun	If the job takes an extra week due to poor planning, you pay for the extra week of labour.	The tradesperson absorbs the extra labour cost; the final quote price stands.
Material Cost Rise	If material prices rise during the job, the tradesperson can pass that increase on to you.	The tradesperson must honour the price based on the materials listed in the quote.

When to ask for what

Ask for a quote when: The scope of work is clear and confirmed (e.g., installing a new bathroom suite, building a fixed extension). This is the only way to establish a solid legal agreement builder quote.
Ask for an estimate when: You need a ballpark figure for budgeting, or the tradesperson cannot fully inspect the work area (e.g., investigating a leak, repair work with hidden damage).

Critical Advice: Never proceed with a major project based only on an estimate. Always insist that the tradesperson converts the estimate into a formal, detailed quote before you agree to the start date. For every quote vs estimate UK decision, always favour the security of the guaranteed price.