Is Your Contractor's Quotation Complete?

The main contract — structure

Preliminaries: site setup, supervision, insurance, temporary water and powerSoil investigation, before the foundation was pricedPiling or pad footings, pile caps, ground beamsWaterproofing to all bathrooms, balconies and wet areasReinforced concrete frame, columns, beams, slabsRoof structure, covering, gutters and roof waterproofingBrickwork, plastering and skim coatPainting, internal and external, with the number of coats statedStaircase structure, finishes and handrail

Schedules that must be attached

A window and door SCHEDULE is attached, not just 'as per schedule'Glass type, thickness and frame finish are specifiedIronmongery: hinges, handles, locksetsThe tile allowance rate is stated, and what happens if you pick dearerFloor and ceiling finishes named room by roomDrawings are referenced by revision number and date

Mechanical and electrical

Plumbing: cold and hot water, pipe material and sizesWater tank, storage and pumpElectrical wiring, conduits, DB and pointsEarthing and lightning protectionAir-conditioning — is it points and piping only, or supply AND install?TNB submission, meter and connection chargesTelephone / fibre conduit provision

External works

Apron, driveway and car porchBoundary wall, fencing and gatesExternal drainage and connection to the public drainSewer connection or septic tank decommissioningTurfing and basic landscapingThe external works boundary is drawn on a plan

Usually NOT included — check every one

Light fittings — downlights, feature lights, cove LED, outdoor and step lightsSwitch and socket faceplates above basic whiteKitchen cabinets, island and countertopKitchen appliances — hob, hood, oven, fridge, dishwasherWardrobes, walk-in closets and joineryCurtain tracks, curtains and blinds — including bulkhead provisionSanitary ware above the PC sum allowanceShower screens, mirrors and bathroom accessoriesDigital door lock, CCTV, gate automationFurniture, beds and TVs

Fees, authorities and protection

Architect and engineer feesLocal authority submission and building plan approvalJPS or drainage approval where requiredCCC — Certificate of Completion and ComplianceA contingency of at least 10% is set asideA written rule that no variation order proceeds without your signaturePayments tied to completed and inspected stages, not calendar dates

Is your contractor's quotation complete?