Builder
Builder Quote Check (Australia)
Got a builder's quote, fixed-price contract, or extension proposal? Upload it and we'll break it down: scope clarity, provisional sums, prime cost items, exclusions, approvals, insurance, variations and the payment schedule before you sign.
Builders' quotes carry the most variation risk — provisional sums and PC items can blow budgets. We help you spot it.
What We Check
Every Detail in Your Builder's Quote
Scope Clarity
Is the inclusion list itemised, and does it match the architectural drawings or specification?
Provisional Sums
Provisional-sum allowances should be realistic. We flag items that look low and could blow your budget.
Prime Cost (PC) Items
Tiles, tapware, appliances — supply allowances. We check whether they're generous enough.
Exclusions
Site costs, demolition, asbestos, soil tests, council fees, hoarding — what's outside the contract.
Approvals
DA / CDC scope, who lodges, who pays, certifier fees, BASIX, energy rating compliance.
Insurance
Home Building Compensation Fund (NSW), Domestic Building Insurance (VIC), QBCC Home Warranty (QLD).
Variations Clause
Process for variations: written notice, pricing transparency, builder's margin disclosure.
Payment Schedule
Progress payments aligned to construction stages — not front-loaded. Deposit capped per state law.
Drawings Reference
Architectural set, engineer's details, BASIX certificate, energy rating documents tied to the quote.
Programme
Start date, duration, liquidated damages, weather/EOT clauses, practical completion definition.
Defects Liability
Defects period (typically 13–26 weeks), final inspection, retention or maintenance bond.
Red-Flag Patterns
Vague exclusions, no PC schedule, builder margin not disclosed, unusual deposit terms.
Common Red Flags
What We Flag in Builder Quotes
Builder's licence number not on the quote
No HBCF / DBI / QBCC home warranty insurance mentioned
Provisional sums set unrealistically low to make the headline price look better
No PC item schedule (tiles, tapware, appliances) — supply allowances are hidden
Builder's margin on variations and PS/PC reconciliations not disclosed
Deposit higher than the state-permitted maximum
Payment schedule front-loaded — most cash paid before slab
Vague or open-ended exclusions ("anything not specified")
No clear defects liability period or final-inspection process
Drawings or specifications not referenced or attached to the quote
Quote Checklist
What a Fair Builder Quote Includes
Renovation / Extension
- Itemised scope tied to architectural drawings
- Provisional sums broken out (not buried in totals)
- PC item schedule with realistic allowances
- Demolition + waste disposal allowance
- Site protection + scaffold + hoarding
- Builder's licence + ABN + insurance details
- Stage-aligned payment schedule
- Clear variations process
- Defects liability period (13–26 weeks)
New Build
- Fixed-price scope with full plans + spec
- Site cost allowance separated from build
- BASIX + energy rating + Section J compliance
- Engineer's slab + structural drawings referenced
- Provisional sums for unknown ground conditions
- PC schedule with brand/model where chosen
- HBCF / DBI / QBCC insurance certificate number
- Construction programme + liquidated damages
- Final inspection + practical completion process
How It Works
Three Steps to Clarity
Upload Your Quote
Snap a photo, upload the PDF, or paste the text. We accept any builder quote — renovation, extension, new build.
Audit Breakdown
Our AI checks scope, provisional sums, PC items, exclusions, insurance, variations clause and payment schedule against Australian building practice.
Get Questions + Recommendations
Receive targeted questions for your builder and specific improvements for a clearer, fairer contract.
Common Services
Builder Quotes We Audit
Renovation
Kitchen, bathroom, whole-house refurbishment. PC schedules and PS allowances drive variation risk.
Extension
Single-storey or second-storey additions. DA/CDC scope, structural sign-off, BASIX compliance.
New Build
Fixed-price knockdown-rebuild or new home. Site costs, engineering, BASIX, HBCF.
Granny Flat / Secondary Dwelling
Often CDC-eligible up to 60m². Covers slab, frame, services, fit-out, separate metering.
Bathroom Reno
Wet area waterproofing, plumbing relocation, tiling, fixtures, electrical for heated towel rails / fans.
Kitchen Reno
Joinery, stone benchtops, splashbacks, plumbing, electrical, appliance install. PC items dominate.
Structural Alterations
Removing load-bearing walls, opening up plans. Engineer's certification and propping required.
Decks & Outdoor Structures
Decks, pergolas, outdoor rooms. Council approval depends on size, height, and deck floor area.
Insurance Repairs
Storm, fire, water-damage rebuild scope. Builder coordinates with the insurer's scope of works.
Sample Report
What Your Audit Report Looks Like
Provisional-Sum Sanity
Are PS allowances realistic for the scope? We flag what could blow.
Licence & Insurance Checks
Builder's licence + HBCF/DBI/QBCC insurance — what we found and what's missing.
Scope vs Drawings
How well the inclusions list matches the architectural and engineering set.
Questions to Ask
Targeted questions on PS allowances, PC schedule, variations process and payment schedule.
Recommended Improvements
What a clearer, fairer version of this contract looks like.
Red Flags & Concerns
Front-loaded payments, low PS allowances, missing insurance, vague exclusions.
Preview shown is an example format.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the audit free?
Yes. The builder quote audit tool is completely free.
What is a provisional sum?
A provisional sum is an estimate the builder includes for work that can't be precisely costed at quote stage — typically because the scope isn't finalised. The actual cost is reconciled to the real expense (often with a builder's margin added) once the work is done.
What is a prime cost (PC) item?
A prime cost item is an allowance for fixtures or fittings the owner will choose later — like tapware, tiles or appliances. The quote includes the supply allowance; the actual cost is reconciled when you select the item, with the difference (plus the builder's margin) added or credited.
What insurance should my builder carry?
In NSW, builders must take out Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) cover for residential work over $20,000. Victoria requires Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) over $16,000. Queensland is QBCC Home Warranty for residential work over $3,300. Confirm the certificate number on your contract.
What deposit can a builder take?
State-by-state caps apply. NSW: max 10% of contract price. VIC: 5% (or 10% if contract over $20,000). QLD: 5% for QBCC contracts under $20,000, 10% above. Always check your state's home building act.
Should I worry about variations?
Variations are normal — but the contract should require written notice, transparent pricing including the builder's margin, and your prior approval before work proceeds. Look for clauses that try to allow verbal variations or open-ended cost recovery.
Do you contact the builder?
No. We never contact your builder. You choose what to ask and when.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your quote and contract data is processed securely and is not shared with third parties.