The most common dispute in renovation work is the price changing halfway through the job. The real cause is usually not bad intent but a vaguely written quotation. A well-prepared quotation protects both sides. The eight points below are what to check when comparing two quotations and before signing a contract.
1. Is the scope listed item by item?
A single line such as "paint the living room" is not enough. Which rooms, which surfaces and which tasks (plaster repair, skim coating, sanding, priming, painting) should each be written separately. Work that is not written down will later count as extra work.
2. Material brand, product and number of coats
The brand and product should be written for paint, tiles or fittings, and the number of coats should be stated for paint. Two quotations at the same price often contain materials of different quality. Who supplies the materials should also be clear.
3. Start date, duration and completion date
"It will be done quickly" is not a commitment. The start date, estimated duration and completion date should be in writing. It should also be clear what happens if something like the weather affects the schedule.
4. Price and VAT
The quotation should clearly state whether the price includes VAT (KDV in Türkiye) and whether an invoice will be issued. This is a precondition for comparing two quotations correctly. The company's invoicing details (registered name, tax number) should also appear on the quotation.
5. Payment plan
Which stages are the deposit, interim payment and final payment tied to? Paying most of the amount before work starts is risky. A plan linked to the progress of the work is balanced for both sides.
6. Guarantee scope and length
Which work does the guarantee cover, and for how long? A workmanship guarantee and a materials guarantee can be separate; does the scope change if you buy the materials yourself? If the guarantee is only verbal, ask for it in writing.
7. Work outside the scope and extra work
Something unexpected can come up during the job (hidden damp or faulty plumbing, for example). How will that be handled? A good quotation sets out the order in writing: first inform, then get approval, then carry out the work. That way the price does not change without your approval.
8. Cleaning, waste and protection
Does the quotation include covering and protecting furniture and floors before work starts, cleaning up at the end and taking away the waste? When these items are not written down, they lead to arguments and extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is a written quotation really necessary? It should be, even for small jobs. A verbal agreement is the hardest to prove in a dispute. Even a short document stating the scope, price and duration protects you.
Is choosing the cheapest quotation risky? A low price is not a warning sign in itself; but missing items or lower-quality materials can make a quotation cheaper. So compare the scope, not just the price.
Why does the validity period of a quotation matter? Material prices can change. Stating how long the quotation is valid makes both sides' expectations clear.
After reading the quotation
Writing these eight points into a table and putting two or three quotations side by side quickly shows the difference. The cheapest quotation is often the one with an item missing. If you do not understand a point, ask for a written explanation before signing the contract.
To see how a company runs a job, look at the how we work page, and for the scope of painting and renovation, see the painting and renovation page.
This guide is for general information. Every home is different; for your own home, ask a company that has seen the work on site for a written quotation.