Two quotes for the same bathroom may cover different work. Compare the scope, assumptions and exclusions before comparing the final amounts.
Compare the scope before the total
Two quotes for the same bathroom can differ because they cover different work. One may include wall preparation, changes to services and installation materials; the other may cover tiling alone. Bring both offers onto a common checklist before comparing their totals.
The aim is not to choose the longest estimate. A useful quote identifies what will be done, which materials are included, the assumptions behind the price and the decisions still outstanding. This guide helps structure that discussion before signing a contract.
1. Give every contractor the same starting information
Send the same measured plan, photographs of the current condition and equipment list to each contractor. Specify tile sizes, tiling heights, niches, shower type, bath enclosure and proposed taps. State whether the design is final.
A quote based on an exposed shower mixer cannot be compared directly with one based on a concealed valve. Mitred corners and an additional niche shelf also change the work involved. Collect design changes into one current version of the documentation.
2. Separate substrate preparation from tile installation
Check whether the offer includes assessment and preparation of the substrate, levelling, repairs and any demolition. The phrase 'tile installation' alone does not identify who will prepare walls and floors for the selected finish.
Photographs cannot establish every repair requirement. Where surfaces remain concealed, identify conditional items and agree how changes will be priced and approved before work proceeds. This helps distinguish an additional scope discovered on site from an unclear charge raised afterwards.
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3. Itemise services and built-in structures
Compare changes to water and drainage connections, concealed fittings, electrical work and board constructions. Establish whether installing a tap includes the concealed body, the external trim fitted later and any necessary pipework modifications.
For lighting, specify the power supply, recess or profile, fitting installation and access to the driver. For a WC frame, check installation, boxing-in and finishing. The estimate should refer to specific equipment or clearly stated assumptions that can be checked later.
4. Check installation materials and waterproofing
Ask whether the price includes primers, mortars, adhesives, waterproofing, tapes, collars, grout and the appropriate joint sealants. 'Materials included' is too broad if it does not distinguish installation products from tiles and fixtures.
The waterproofing scope should identify areas and details, rather than merely a product name. Substrate conditions, intended use and compatibility within the system determine the method. A more expensive individual product does not replace agreement on the complete scope.
5. Count details separately from floor area
A bathroom with a small floor can contain numerous corners, niches, openings and short cuts. These affect labour even when they add little to the measured area.
Check allowances for corner processing, shelf finishing, holes, pattern matching and large-slab installation. Items priced per linear metre or per piece also need quantities. A unit rate without a measured quantity does not show the expected total.
6. Record exclusions and responsibility for deliveries
Agree who purchases tiles, fixtures, lighting and accessories, and who supplies installation materials. Confirm transport, carrying materials inside, waste removal and access to the property. Specify whether glass measurement and installation or joinery are included.
For LOFTBAU projects, joinery must be arranged separately with the client or their joiner. Dimensions and timing still need coordination with the fit-out. Equipment must arrive at the stage when it is needed; changing a model can require another check of service connections.
7. Compare prices on the same basis
Compare net and gross totals, included supplies and the pricing of conditional items. Confirm that both quotes are current and refer to the same design revision. Ask the contractor to price missing items instead of adding an informal allowance yourself.
A simple comparison table needs four columns: scope, offer A, offer B and question to resolve. Include substrate preparation, plumbing and electrics, built-in structures, waterproofing, tiling, details, grouting, final fixture installation, materials and exclusions. Compare totals once the gaps are explained.
What to send LOFTBAU for a quote
For an initial discussion, send a measured plan, photographs, work description, tile sizes, location and intended timing. Include the design and equipment technical sheets if available. Mark items that have not yet been selected.
The pricing guide is a starting point for discussion. A final offer should reflect the particular bathroom and agreed scope. Use the contact details on the LOFTBAU website to send your documentation.
