Renovation Quote Comparison Checklist (Melbourne)
Last updated: September 2026 · Melbourne/Victoria guidance
Renovation quotes for the same job can look wildly different, and the gap is often less about price than about what each quote covers. One may include tiles, rubbish removal and waterproofing documentation; another may assume you'll supply the tiles and leave the skip to you.
This checklist helps you compare scope, item by item, before you compare the bottom line. It doesn't tell you what a fair price is and it can't check whether another builder's work will comply. What it does is show you which questions to ask so every quote describes the same job.
The 15-point scope checklist
Work through each quote you have. Tick an item only when the quote states it clearly in writing; anything left unticked is a question to ask that builder.
15 of 15 items not yet confirmed in writing
Illustrative example: two bathroom quotes
Illustrative only. This is a made-up comparison to show how the checklist works. It is not a real quote from Konntey or any other builder, and it deliberately shows no prices.
| Checklist item | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Tiles | Supply and install | Install only (owner supplies) |
| Tapware and vanity | Allowance stated per item | Not mentioned |
| Waterproofing documentation | Written documentation at handover | Not mentioned |
| Rubbish removal | Included | Excluded |
| GST | Included | Not stated |
| Variations | Priced and approved in writing | Not stated |
Planning your own renovation? We're happy to talk through the scope with you and put every item on this list in writing.
Discuss your project's scopeReading the illustrative example
In the example above, Quote B may well come in lower, but it leaves the tiles, fixtures and rubbish removal to the homeowner and says nothing about waterproofing paperwork, GST or changes. Until those gaps are filled in, the two numbers aren't describing the same bathroom.
The fix is simple: send each builder the same list of questions and ask them to confirm the answers in writing. A builder who answers clearly at the quoting stage is also showing you how they're likely to communicate during the job.
What this checklist can't do
It can't tell you whether a price is fair, and it can't confirm that work will meet building regulations. For permit questions, speak to a registered building surveyor or your council. To check a builder's registration, use the Building and Plumbing Commission's public register.
Key takeaways
- Compare scope before price: make sure every quote describes the same job.
- Anything not stated in writing is a question to ask, not an assumption to make.
- Owner-supplied items and allowances are the most common reasons quotes differ.
- Agree how changes will be priced and approved before work starts.
Keep reading
This guide is general information for Melbourne homeowners, not legal or financial advice. Costs are indicative and vary by project. Always confirm permit and compliance requirements with your council, a registered building surveyor, or the Building and Plumbing Commission before starting work.