The first time most homeowners see a renovation quote, they focus on the bottom line. By the second or third quote, the panic sets in: the numbers don't match, the line items don't align, and nobody seems to be quoting the same thing.
Watch for these four words
- 'Allowance' — means the price will be revised when you choose the actual item. Often upward.
- 'Subject to' — anything qualified this way isn't actually quoted. It's a placeholder.
- 'Estimated' — same as above, in a different jacket.
- 'As required' — the catch-all that turns into a variation order on day 14.
Demand specifications, not descriptions
'Quality laminate' is a description. '0.7mm PET laminate, ABS edge banding, soft-close hinges' is a specification. The first protects the designer; the second protects you.
Where to go from here
If you're still in the planning phase, take a slow read through our Cost Guides — they cover the line items most homeowners only discover after signing. If you're already comparing designers, our concierge can hand-pick three trustworthy firms for your scope, free, in under 24 hours.
