How to Review a Builder’s Quote and Avoid Hidden Costs or Variations
When building or renovating a home in New Zealand, one of the most common mistakes is assuming that a builder’s quote includes everything. In reality, many builder quotes leave out critical components, which leads to unexpected variations, delays, and cost overruns.
At Measured Consultancy, we regularly review builder quotes for homeowners, developers, and investors. This article explains how to properly review a builder’s quote, what key items to check for, and how to avoid being caught out by lowball pricing that leads to major blowouts later.
Why Do Builder Quotes Differ So Much?
Not all builder quotes are created equal—and the difference often comes down to the level of detail provided in the architectural drawings.
Most builders price only what is shown. If something is missing from the drawings—like site drainage, internal painting, or landscaping—it’s unlikely to be included in their cost.
Some builders take a more thorough approach, pricing the full scope based on experience, even if it’s not explicitly drawn. This builder might seem more expensive at first glance, but in reality, they’re giving you a more accurate and realistic picture of total project costs. Another builder might appear cheaper but leave out thousands of dollars in necessary work.
This makes comparing quotes difficult. One includes full allowances. The other includes none.
Common Items Often Missing from Builder Quotes
When reviewing quotes, we regularly find missing or under-allowed items such as:
Site preparation and excavation
Driveways, decks, or retaining walls
Drainage and stormwater systems
Council fees and building consent costs
Prime Cost (PC) sums that are too low (e.g. kitchens, tiles, or tapware)
Internal painting and floor coverings
Scaffolding or access equipment
Landscaping and fencing
Final fit-off or clean-up costs
These items almost always come up later—through variations and price increases.
7 Key Questions to Ask When Reviewing a Builder Quote
To protect your budget and avoid variation shocks, ask your builder:
What’s included—and what’s not?
Get a detailed written scope of works. Don’t rely on assumptions or verbal assurances.Have all trades been included?
Confirm that plumbing, electrical, drainage, painting, floor coverings, and landscaping are accounted for.Are the Prime Cost (PC) sums realistic?
A $5,000 allowance for a full kitchen or bathroom may not be adequate.Are all consent and council costs included?
Many quotes exclude these—but they’re unavoidable project costs.What site works have been allowed for?
Is excavation, fill, or retaining required? Has it been included?Is this a fixed-price contract?
Understand what the contract type is—and what triggers a cost variation.What’s the variation process?
Clarify how cost changes will be managed and approved.
Why You Should Have a Quantity Surveyor Review Your Quote
At Measured Consultancy, we specialise in peer reviewing builder quotes across New Zealand. A professional review ensures:
You understand what’s missing
You’re comparing quotes fairly (apples for apples)
PC sums and provisional allowances are realistic
The scope aligns with the drawings
You get clarity on full project costs—before committing
This process can save you thousands of dollars and hours of stress by identifying problems early and giving you confidence in your builder selection.
Get Involved Early: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The best time to engage a Quantity Surveyor is before you sign a building contract. We can review the builder's pricing and identify where scope has been missed or underestimated.
Want Help Reviewing a Builder’s Quote?
Measured Consultancy offers fixed-fee quote reviews to help homeowners and developers across New Zealand avoid budget blowouts and costly surprises.
👉 Contact us today to request a quote review or learn more about our services.