Last checked October 2026 · by the PaySorted team
The difference
| Quote | Estimate | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A promise to do the work for a set price | Your best guess at the cost |
| Can the final bill be higher? | Only for agreed extra work or an obvious mistake | Yes, but it must still be reasonable |
| Rising material costs | Your risk | Can justify a higher bill if explained |
| Best for | Clearly defined jobs | Repairs where you can't see the problem yet |
There's no statutory definition, but this is how Citizens Advice and the courts approach it.
What you say is part of the deal
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, anything you tell a householder about the job or price — in writing or out loud — can become part of the contract if they rely on it. So if you say "it'll be about £800, definitely no more than £1,000", that £1,000 can bind you.
Once a customer accepts a quote, it's a binding contract on both sides.
Going over an estimate
If you gave an estimate, the final price must be reasonable. The law doesn't set a percentage — the "10–15% over is fine" idea is a rule of thumb, not law. What matters is whether the increase was explained and justified: hidden damage, changes the customer asked for, or costs outside your control.
The safest habit: tell the customer as soon as you know the price will change, and get their OK in writing (a text is fine) before carrying on.
If no price was agreed at all, the customer has to pay a reasonable price for the work — and no more.
Extras and variations
- Write down what's included — and what isn't.
- When the customer asks for something extra, confirm the price in writing before you do it.
- List variations separately on the final invoice so they're easy to check.
VAT and validity
- If you're VAT registered, prices to householders must include VAT. Quoting "£2,000 + VAT" to a homeowner can mislead. To business customers, quoting ex-VAT is normal.
- There's no legal time limit on a quote, so state one — for example "valid for 30 days" — to protect yourself from material price rises.
In PaySorted you send the quote from your phone, the customer accepts it online, and it turns into an invoice in one tap. Use the free quote template if you just need a quick one.
General information on the law in England and Wales (checked October 2026), not legal advice. Citizens Advice publishes guidance for customers on quotes and estimates.
Common questions
Is a quote legally binding in the UK?
Yes. Once the customer accepts a quote it becomes a binding contract at that price, unless extra work is agreed or there was an obvious mistake.
How much can a builder go over an estimate?
There's no fixed percentage in law. The final price must be reasonable, and any increase should be explained and ideally agreed in advance.
Can I charge more if materials go up after I quote?
Not on a fixed quote, unless your quote says prices can change. That's why it pays to put a validity period on every quote.
Do I have to include VAT in my quote?
If you're VAT registered and quoting a householder, yes, the price should include VAT. Business customers are usually quoted ex-VAT.