The Hidden Costs of a “Cheap” Home Renovation Quote

When planning a home improvement project, it’s completely natural to compare quotes. And when one comes in significantly cheaper than the others, it can feel like a win. 

But in building and renovation, the cheapest quote often isn’t the cheapest option in the long run. 

At Tony Adams Builds, we’ve been asked to step in on many projects in Harpenden and the surrounding areas, where costs have escalated, not because the client changed their mind, but because important elements simply weren’t included from the start. 

Here are some of the most common hidden costs that can sit behind a “too good to be true” quote. 

Incomplete scope of works 

One of the biggest reasons quotes vary is what’s actually been allowed for. A cheaper home renovation quote may only cover the obvious headline items, while leaving out essential elements such as: 

Preparation and protection of existing areas Making good after structural work Disposal of waste and skips Final finishing, decorating or detailing 

If it’s not written down, it’s often not included, and that’s where extras start to appear later. 

Provisional sums and vague allowances 

Some building quotes look competitive because they rely heavily on provisional sums or low allowances. This might include things like: 

Kitchen or bathroom fixtures, flooring, tiling and electrical fittings. If those allowances don’t reflect realistic choices, the final cost can rise quickly once selections are made - something we regularly see on renovation projects across Hertfordshire. 

Site setup, protection and cleanliness 

Good site management takes time and planning - and it has a cost. This includes: 

• Floor and surface protection 

• Dust control 

• Safe access routes

• Daily tidy-downs 

• Respect for neighbouring properties 

Cheaper quotes may skip over these details, but they make a huge difference to how smoothly a project runs and how your home feels during the work. 

Labour quality and experience 

Lower quotes can sometimes be achieved by using less experienced labour or cutting corners on site supervision. That can lead to: 

• Slower progress 

• Mistakes that need correcting 

• Inconsistent finishes 

• Longer overall timelines 

Experienced tradespeople cost more for a reason - they work efficiently, solve problems quickly and deliver better results. 

Variations and add-ons later 

A quote that looks low at the start may rely on charging for variations later on. These might be genuine discoveries, but often they’re simply items that were never properly allowed for in the first place. Over time, these additions can push the final cost well beyond the original figure. 

What to look for instead 

Rather than focusing purely on the bottom line, it’s worth asking: 

Is the scope of works clearly detailed? Are allowances realistic? Does the quote explain what isn’t included as well as what is? Does the builder explain how the project will be managed day to day? 

A clear, transparent quote gives you confidence, and far fewer surprises once work begins. 

Final thoughts 

A well-planned home renovation project is about more than price alone. It’s about understanding what you’re paying for, how the job will be run and what the finished result will truly cost. 

If you’re comparing renovation quotes in Harpenden or Hertfordshire and unsure why they differ so much, asking the right questions early can save a lot of stress later on.