Are builders quotes legally binding?
Quote vs estimate, when each becomes binding, and how digital signature gives both sides cleaner protection.
Quote vs estimate
Quote (legally binding once accepted)
- A definite price for a specified scope
- Includes a clear total
- Becomes a contract when customer accepts (signature, written acceptance, or unambiguous conduct like paying a deposit)
- Both parties bound to the price unless scope changes
Estimate (not binding)
- An indication of likely cost
- Subject to change once work is properly scoped
- Often used for unknown-quantity jobs (rotten window frame, cracked drain, hidden damp)
- Final price determined when work is complete
What makes a quote binding
- Clear scope — what's included, what's excluded
- Defined total — fixed price, not a range
- Customer acceptance — signature, written acceptance, or clear conduct (e.g. paying deposit)
- Reasonable timeframe for acceptance (most quotes are valid 28–90 days)
How digital signature improves things
A typed-on-paper signature or a "yeah go ahead" text leaves room for dispute about exactly what was agreed. A digital signature with timestamp, IP, and audit trail removes most of that ambiguity.
TailoredQuote's digital signature workflow produces a multi-page signed PDF including the original quote + acceptance metadata + signer's signature. If the customer ever disputes what they agreed to, the signed PDF answers the question.
What happens if you go over the quote
If the actual cost exceeds the quoted price:
- Within scope — the builder bears the loss. The quote is the price.
- Variation order — change to scope agreed in writing, customer pays the variation
- Hidden problem found — depends on contract terms. Most allow extra charges for genuinely-hidden defects (e.g. rotten joists discovered after stripping out)
Consumer protection
- Consumer Rights Act 2015 — work must be done with reasonable care and skill, in reasonable time, for a reasonable price (where no price is fixed)
- 14-day cancellation right — if the contract was made off-premises (in your home, by phone, online), you usually have 14 days to cancel
- FMB / TrustMark guarantees — additional protection through builder federations
Official sources
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Frequently asked questions
Quote is binding, estimate is indicative. The wording matters — be explicit.
Within scope: no, the builder bears the loss. With variation orders agreed in writing: yes, customer pays variation. Hidden defects: depends on contract terms.
Most quotes specify 28–90 days. After that, prices may change.
Yes, a verbal acceptance can form a contract. But it's much harder to prove in dispute. Always get acceptance in writing or via digital signature.
Related
Last reviewed: May 2026 · This information is general guidance and not legal advice.
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