Worked example
Checking a £26,400 extension quote
This invented example is based on a typical rear extension in south Manchester. It shows how TallyBrick compares each item, suggests questions and helps a homeowner ask other local firms for quotes.
The job
4m × 5m rear extension
Single storey, south Manchester
Original quote
£26,400
Revised to £26,300 after questions
Final paid
£24,985
After matched quotes saved another 5%
What the homeowner was worried about
The quote was a single page with five lines and a total. It looked professional, the builder had been recommended, and there was nothing obviously wrong with it. The problem was simpler than that: there was no way to tell whether £26,400 was a good price, a fair price or an expensive one — or what to ask the builder.
Line by line against local ranges
Groundworks and foundations
In line with similar jobs nearby.
£5,900
Typical £5,200–£6,400
Structural steelwork
Within the typical range for a 4.2m opening.
£3,100
Typical £2,700–£3,500
Brickwork and roof
Within the local range.
£8,400
Typical £7,100–£8,900
Scaffolding
Noticeably higher, and the hire period was not stated.
£2,850
Typical £1,100–£1,600
Windows and bi-fold doors
Above range — no specification or brand given.
£6,150
Typical £3,900–£5,200
Waste removal
Missing from the quote entirely.
Not listed
Typical £600–£900
The questions that settled it
- How many weeks of scaffolding hire does the £2,850 cover, and what happens if the job runs over?01
- Which doors are in the price — make, model and glazing spec?02
- Is skip hire and waste removal included, or will that be billed separately?03
- Is VAT included in the total, or added on top?04
How the first quote was settled
The builder had priced twelve weeks of scaffolding because of a tight side access, and had allowed for triple-glazed aluminium doors rather than the standard option. Both were genuine — they simply were not written down. Waste removal had been left off by mistake and was added at £700.
The revised quote came to £26,300 with the doors swapped for a double-glazed alternative, waste removal included, and VAT confirmed as included in the total. The price barely moved. What changed was that the homeowner knew what they were paying for and could sign without second-guessing it.
Then they asked for other quotes
The quote was now clear. But the homeowner still wanted to know whether another local builder could deliver the same job for less. They used TallyBrick to request introductions to up to three suitable firms in their area — only after they had checked the quote and only because they asked for it.
Within a few days they had two comparable quotes back. One was almost identical to the revised price. The other, from a verified local builder with good reviews and the right trade specialism, came in at £24,985 for the same specification — a further 5% saving on an already-fair quote.
Revised quote
£26,300
After questions answered
Matched quote
£24,985
Same spec, different firm
Extra saved
5%
£1,315 back in the budget
Why this matters
TallyBrick does not guess prices or simply list firms. First, we help you understand your quote. Then, only if you want, we introduce you to checked local firms.
Homeowners get clearer information and can compare more than one quote. Trade firms hear from customers who have already looked closely at the work and are ready to decide.
We help you compare. You decide.
Check your own quote
It is free, takes a few minutes, and your quote stays private. Get the same line-by-line comparison and, only if you choose, matched quotes from suitable local firms.