Quote check · September 2026
Is my builder's quote too high?
A builder's quote is probably too high if it sits well above the typical price for the same job in your area once VAT and scope are matched. In September 2026 a 25 m² single storey extension typically costs £63,000 to £78,000 including VAT outside London. Check yours in seconds with the free quote checker, then ask for a breakdown of anything that looks high.
Four checks, in order
- Match the VAT. Is the price including VAT or plus VAT? A quote of £65,000 plus VAT is £78,000.
- Match the scope. List what each quote includes: kitchen, flooring, decoration, electrics, drainage, scaffolding, skips. Add an allowance for anything missing.
- Compare with the typical range for your job, size, finish and region. The quote checker does this for you.
- Ask for a breakdown by section if a quote still looks high. It usually shows where the money goes.
Typical quotes for common jobs
| Job (mid-range finish, including VAT) | Typical quote, UK average | Typical quote, London |
|---|---|---|
| Single storey extension, 25 m² | £63,000 to £78,000 | £85,000 to £105,000 |
| Double storey extension, 40 m² | £91,000 to £115,000 | £123,000 to £156,000 |
| Rear dormer loft conversion, 30 m² | £56,500 to £69,500 | £76,000 to £94,000 |
| Integral garage conversion | £14,400 to £20,500 | £19,400 to £27,500 |
| Whole-house renovation, 90 m² | £86,500 to £130,000 | £117,000 to £175,000 |
| New kitchen, supplied and fitted | £9,000 to £16,000 | £10,600 to £18,800 |
| Bathroom refit | £6,000 to £9,000 | £7,300 to £10,900 |
| Rewire, three-bedroom house | £5,400 to £7,200 | £6,900 to £9,200 |
London prices run highest, then the South East; Wales, the North and Northern Ireland lowest. The checker adjusts for your region from your postcode.
Good reasons a quote is higher
- Difficult access, for example a terrace with no side access where everything goes through the house
- Steel beams, underpinning, deeper foundations or a drain to divert
- A higher specification: bifolds, roof lanterns, underfloor heating, premium finishes
- A short programme, a fixed price with no provisional sums, or a builder carrying more risk
- More work included, such as the kitchen, decoration or landscaping
Warning signs
Well above the range with no breakdown offered; pressure to sign quickly; a large deposit before work starts (stage payments tied to finished work are normal); vague wording such as "all building works" with no specification. Read what a builder's quote should include.
What to do next
Get at least three written quotes for the same scope, line them up with the quote comparison worksheet, and read why builder quotes differ.