Choosing a builder
Quotations versus estimates
When comparing the prices your builder submits it is crucial to understand the difference between a quotation and an estimate. A quotation is a firm price, ie what you can expect to pay for specified works.
Whereas an estimate is much less specific, a best guess of what it will cost to do what the client wants subject to change as and when the nature of the job does.
Most builders will submit a mixture of quotation and estimates, this is fine as long as you get a complete detailed written breakdown of every aspect of the job.