A precise masonry quote is crucial to understand the scope of work and compare offers from professionals.
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When you are considering masonry work, whether for new construction, second-fix work or an extension, obtaining a precise and detailed quote is a very important step. A well-drafted quote not only lets you understand the scope of the work to be carried out, but also lets you effectively compare offers from different professionals.
Here is what is essential to check in a masonry quote.
The quote must include the company's full contact details. This includes the name, address, telephone number, email address and UID number. This information allows you to verify the legitimacy of the company and contact it easily if needed. A company that is transparent with its contact details inspires trust and credibility.
In this spirit of transparency and professionalism, it is essential to choose a reliable and experienced masonry company to ensure the success of your property project. To learn more, read our article on Masonry company: the key to your property project.
The description of the work must be detailed and precise. Each task must be clearly defined, including the materials to be used, the construction techniques, as well as the dimensions and surfaces involved.
For example, if you plan to build load-bearing walls, the quote must specify the type of bricks or concrete used, the construction method for the wall's foundations and the exact dimensions of the wall in square metres. A detailed description ensures that the client and the company have a shared understanding of the work to be carried out, including any planned finishing.
Materials represent a significant share of the total cost of masonry work. The quote must indicate the type of materials used, their quantities and their unit prices. It is essential to verify that the specified materials correspond to your initial request.
The masonry quote must include the cost of the labour needed to carry out the work. In Switzerland, this cost can be expressed in working hours or as an overall fixed price. It is important that the hourly rate or the fixed price be clearly indicated and justified.
For example, if the labour cost is CHF 70 per hour, the quote should explain why this rate is applied and how many working hours are planned so that you can know the qualification of each worker on your site.
In addition, the quote must mention the prices excluding VAT and including VAT, and also specify the amount of VAT applicable. This transparency lets you understand the costs involved and avoid any confusion.
Some masonry work requires the use of specific equipment such as scaffolding, cranes, cement mixers, and so on. The quote must mention the specifics of the necessary equipment and any related costs, if they are not included in the labour cost.
If the site is located at some distance from the masonry company, travel costs may be charged. The quote must specify these costs and their amount. Suppose a site is 50 km from the company's headquarters: an additional charge for travel may apply, but it must be clearly detailed in that case.
Some work may give rise to unforeseen additional costs such as waste removal or protection of unaffected areas. The quote must include an estimate of these costs and indicate whether or not they are included in the total cost. Likewise, if special floor-protection measures are required, they must be mentioned in the quote along with their estimated cost.
The quote must specify the completion deadlines of the work, including the planned start and end dates. It is important to check that these deadlines are realistic and compatible with your expectations.
The quote must mention the warranties offered by the company on the work carried out. It must also indicate that the company has the necessary insurance to cover any damage during the work. A warranty is often required for construction work, and the quote must specify this warranty.
The quote must also detail the payment terms, including the deposit, instalment payments and the balance at the end of the work. It is important that these conditions be clear and reasonable. A deposit of 30% upon signing the quote, followed by instalment payments based on progress, is a commonly accepted arrangement.
A detailed and complete masonry quote is essential to ensure good communication between you and the company of your choice.
A precise description of the work lets you understand exactly what will be invoiced and verify that all necessary services are estimated during the construction of your project. Moreover, this reduces the risk of misunderstandings and disputes once the work has begun.
Furthermore, a well-drafted document can help you find the best solutions to carry out your construction project, by optimising the resources and methods used, while ensuring its safety and smooth progress.
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