How long is a builders quote valid for?
Standard validity periods and what to expect when a quote expires.
Typical validity periods
- Small jobs (under £5,000) — 28–60 days
- Standard projects (£5,000–£40,000) — 60–90 days
- Large projects (£40,000+) — 30–60 days (more material exposure)
- Specialist trades with bespoke materials — 7–28 days (manufacturer prices change quickly)
Why quotes expire
- Material cost inflation — timber, steel, copper, plasterboard prices change monthly
- Labour rate adjustments — typically annual
- Workload commitments — builder may have filled the slot they originally quoted for
- Subcontractor availability — specialist trades booked elsewhere
What to do if a quote expires
- Ask the builder to re-quote (often quick — they have all the info from the original)
- Expect 5–15% adjustment in either direction depending on market conditions
- Get the new quote in writing before agreeing
What if no validity is stated?
If a quote doesn't specify a validity period, English contract law generally treats the quote as valid for a "reasonable time" — typically 1–3 months for construction work. Courts have ruled in favour of customers accepting older quotes where the builder didn't communicate expiry, but this is risky territory and not worth relying on.
How TailoredQuote handles validity
Quotes generated through TailoredQuote can include a stated validity period in the scope of works. Most users specify 28 or 90 days. The customer signs to a quote with the validity stated, removing ambiguity later.
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Frequently asked questions
28–90 days for most UK construction quotes.
Treated as 'reasonable time' under English law — typically 1–3 months. Don't rely on this; ask the builder to re-quote if older.
Same rules. The signed PDF includes the date and validity if specified. Validity affects when the quote expires, not the legal weight of the signature.
Related
Last reviewed: May 2026 · This information is general guidance and not legal advice.
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