Red flags in a quote: what to watch for

The quote itself

• A single total with no breakdown, or only a handful of words describing the job.
• No company name, address or contact details, only a mobile number.
• Large amounts marked as provisional, or materials left as an open-ended extra.
• A price far below everyone else's with no clear reason.

The sales style

• Pressure to decide today, or a special price that disappears if you wait.
• A cold call or a knock on the door claiming they spotted a problem with your roof or driveway.
• Refusing to put things in writing.

Money and paperwork

• A large payment up front, or payment in cash with no receipt.
• No mention of insurance, or reluctance to show a certificate.
• No guarantee or no clear answer about what happens if something goes wrong.

What to do

Slow down, ask questions and get the answers in writing. Check registration and insurance, look for reviews in several places and compare with other quotes. If something feels wrong, you can walk away.

Know your rights

If you agree to work at your home, you may have a legal right to cancel within a set number of days, but this can be lost if you ask for work to start sooner. Check the rules on Citizens Advice before you sign.

Good signs to look for

• An itemised, written quote with a business name and address.
• Clear answers about insurance, registration and who does the work.
• A payment plan tied to stages of the work.
• Past clients and recent work they are happy to show.

Compare before you commit

Getting several quotes for the same brief makes unusual ones easier to spot. Upload a photo to GlowUpp and share your design with local professionals to compare quotes in one place. Always ask a qualified professional before moving gas, electrics or plumbing, or changing anything structural, and check your lease or local rules if you rent or live in a conservation area.