How to compare quotes for home repairs and services

Why quotes are hard to compare

Ask three companies to fix the same leaking tap or mount the same TV and you may get three very different numbers. That does not always mean one company is overcharging. More often, each quote covers a slightly different job: one includes parts, one adds a call-out charge on top, and one assumes a simpler wall than you actually have.

This article explains how to line quotes up so you are comparing like with like. It applies to most home jobs, from handyman work to plumbing, electrical and aircon jobs. For trade-specific advice, the handyman guide, the plumbing guide and the electrician guide each explain what to look for in that trade.

Start with the same scope for everyone

The single most useful step is to describe the job the same way to every company. If one company hears "a dripping tap" and another hears "replace the kitchen mixer with one I have bought", their quotes will not match.

• Say exactly what you want done: repair, replace, install or inspect.
• Describe the location and surface: kitchen or bathroom, concrete, brick or board wall, high ceiling or normal height.
• Say who supplies the item: whether you have bought the fitting, bracket or appliance, or want the company to supply it.
• Share photos or a short video: of the item, the wall and any labels or model numbers.
• Mention your home type: HDB flat, condominium or landed house, since access and rules can differ.

What the price actually includes

Once the scope is the same, check what each price covers. These are the items that most often explain a gap between quotes.

Call-out and inspection charges

Some companies charge a fee just to attend and look at the problem. Others waive it if you go ahead with the work, and some include it in the job price. Ask whether the charge applies if you decide not to proceed, and whether it is deducted from the final bill.

Parts and materials

A low labour price can look attractive until parts are added. Ask whether the quote includes the replacement part, fixings, sealant or cable, and whether you can supply your own. If the company supplies parts, ask what brand or grade they plan to use.

Minimum charges

Many companies have a minimum job charge, so a very small task can cost the same as a slightly larger one. If you have several small jobs, it often makes sense to group them into one visit. The furniture assembly guide and the TV mounting guide show how this works for common handyman tasks.

Extra work found on the day

Ask how the company handles anything unexpected, such as a corroded pipe or a wall that needs a different anchor. A good answer is that they will stop, explain and give you a price before carrying on.

Warranty wording and written confirmation

A warranty is only as useful as its wording. "Warranty included" can mean very different things, so ask what it covers and for how long.

• Does it cover workmanship only, or the parts as well?
• Does it start from the job date, and what do you need to show to claim it?
• Will they come back without a new call-out charge if the same problem returns?

Ask for the final agreed price, scope and warranty terms in writing before work starts. A message on a chat app is fine, as long as it is clear. This avoids disputes later and makes it easy to compare offers side by side.

Check who is doing licensed work

Some jobs can only be done by licensed workers. For electrical work, read EMA's guidance on engaging licensed workers to understand when you need a licensed electrician. For water-supply and sanitary work, PUB's page on plumbing works explains which work must be carried out by a licensed plumber.

When a quote covers that kind of work, ask who will actually do it and whether they hold the relevant licence. A cheaper quote that skips this step is not a like-for-like comparison. The licensed plumber guide and the licensed electrician guide explain what to ask.

Red flags to watch for

A few warning signs are worth noticing before you commit.

• A price given without any questions about the job, then raised sharply on arrival.
• Pressure to decide on the spot, or to pay the full amount before any work starts.
• Vague answers about parts, warranty or who will do licensed work.
• Refusal to put the agreed price and scope in writing.
• A quote far below everyone else with no clear reason.

Putting the quotes side by side

When you have your quotes, make a short list for each one: total price, what is included, call-out or inspection charge, minimum charge, warranty terms and whether it is in writing. The lowest total is not always the better deal, but once everything is listed the real differences are usually easy to see.

If you are not sure where to start, area pages such as handyman companies serving Tampines list the companies that name your town on their own websites, which is a quick way to build a shortlist.

Questions

Why do quotes for the same job vary so much?

Usually because each quote covers a slightly different scope. Differences in call-out charges, parts, minimum charges and assumptions about your wall or fitting explain most gaps. Give every company the same description and photos before comparing.

Should I always pay a call-out or inspection charge?

Not always. Some companies charge it, some waive it if you go ahead and some include it in the job price. Ask before the visit whether it applies if you do not proceed and whether it is deducted from the final bill.

What should I get in writing before work starts?

Ask for the agreed price, the scope of work, what parts are included and the warranty terms. A clear chat message is enough, as long as both sides have agreed it before the work begins.