Guide

How to write a quote for a job: what to include (UK)

Updated 2 October 2026 · 5 minute read

A clear written quote wins more jobs and heads off arguments later. Here's what to put in one, and the consumer rules that apply when you quote for work in someone's home.

Quote or estimate?

They're not the same thing. Citizens Advice describes a quote as a promise to do the work at an agreed price: you can't charge more unless the customer agrees to extra work, or the price was an obvious mistake. An estimate is your best guess, and a final bill that's much higher can be challenged. Business Companion, the trading standards guidance site, says the same, and adds that once a customer accepts a quote it's likely to form a binding contract.

So only give a quote once you understand the job. If you can't price it properly without seeing more, give an estimate and say clearly that it is one.

What to put in a written quote

• Your details: your business name, phone, email and, if you have one, your website.
• The customer and the address where the work will be done.
• The job, in plain words. What you'll do, so there's no room for “I thought that was included”.
• A breakdown of materials and labour. Business Companion says a quote should include a detailed breakdown of the goods and services.
• The extras people forget. Which? Trusted Traders' guide for builders says to include materials, scaffolding, waste disposal and “making good” afterwards.
• What isn't included, such as decorating after a rewire or moving furniture.
• The total price, including VAT if you're VAT-registered. Prices shown to consumers must include VAT.
• When you can start and roughly how long the job will take.
• How you want to be paid: any deposit, stage payments, and how to pay.
• How long the price stands. There's no official rule, so say it, for example 30 days, especially if material prices are moving.

If you agree the job in the customer's home

Most trade jobs are agreed at the customer's kitchen table, and that counts as an “off-premises contract” under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. In short:

• The customer can cancel within 14 days of agreeing the contract.
• You must give them the required information and a cancellation form, on paper (or another durable form they agree to).
• If you don't, their cancellation period can be extended by up to 12 months.
• You can only start inside the 14 days if the customer asks you to in writing. If they then cancel, they pay for the work done so far. If you didn't give the cancellation information, they may not have to pay at all.
• The right to cancel doesn't apply to urgent repairs or maintenance the customer specifically called you out for, although other work you sell them on that visit can still be cancelled.
• These rules don't apply to home contracts of £42 or less.

This is a summary, not legal advice. Business Companion has free, detailed guidance if you're unsure.

What the law expects, quote or not

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a service must be done with reasonable care and skill. Anything you say or write about the job can become part of the contract if the customer relies on it. If no price is agreed, the customer only has to pay a reasonable price, and if no timing is agreed, the work must be done within a reasonable time. A clear written quote protects you as much as the customer.

Make your quote easy to say yes to

• Send it quickly. The first clear quote often wins.
• Keep it readable. Itemised, in plain English, on one page if you can.
• Show them who you are. A link to your website, your Google reviews and photos of similar jobs answers the question every customer has: can I trust this person?

Not sure what to charge in the first place? See our guide on how to price a job.

Sources

• Citizens Advice: problems with home improvements (quotes and estimates)
• Business Companion: contract law basics, forming a contract
• Business Companion: providing price information (updated April 2026)
• Which? Trusted Traders: how to hire a builder
• Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 10 (information for off-premises contracts)
• Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 31 (extended cancellation period)
• Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 36 (services started in the cancellation period)
• Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 28 (exceptions, including urgent repairs)
• Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 7 (£42 limit)
• Consumer Rights Act 2015, sections 49 to 52

Prices change. Figures were checked on the date above; check the provider's site for today's price.

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