Questions to ask before you approve any quote
Most overpriced work isn't sold with a lie — it's sold with a number nobody was asked to explain. These are the questions that get an explanation, taken from how each trade actually builds its pricing. Search, filter, copy, send.
224 questions
Plumbing quotes
- Is this flat-rate or hourly? If hourly, what's the rate and how many hours?
- Is the call-out or diagnostic fee credited if I approve the work?
- Which exact parts or fixtures are included — can I see model numbers?
- Does this include opening and repairing the wall, floor or ceiling?
- Is a permit required, and is it at cost or marked up?
- What would the repair cost, compared with the replacement you've quoted?
- What's the warranty on the parts, and separately on your labour?
Brake quotes
- Is this front, rear, or all four — and is it pads only or pads and rotors?
- What's your hourly labour rate, and how many hours is this job booked at?
- What were the measured pad thickness and rotor thickness?
- Can the rotors be resurfaced instead of replaced?
- Are these OEM, premium aftermarket or economy parts?
- Why are the calipers on this estimate — what did you find?
- What's the warranty on the pads, and on the labour?
- Can you show me the old parts when the job is done?
Roof replacement quotes
- How many squares is my roof, and what pitch did you measure?
- How many layers are coming off, and is disposal included?
- What's the per-sheet price if you find bad decking?
- Which exact shingle line, underlayment and ice-and-water shield are included?
- Is all flashing being replaced, or reused?
- Is ridge and intake ventilation included, and does the manufacturer warranty require it?
- Is the permit included, and at cost?
- How many years is your workmanship warranty, separate from the manufacturer's?
- What deposit do you require, and what does it cover?
- Are you licensed and insured here — can I see the certificate?
Dental cleaning prices
- Can I have an itemised statement with procedure codes?
- Was this a routine cleaning or periodontal scaling — and if scaling, what were my pocket depths?
- Were the exam and X-rays billed as separate codes on this visit?
- How often do you recommend X-rays for me, and why?
- Are you in-network for my plan, and was this billed at the negotiated rate?
- Had I already used my covered cleanings for the year?
- Which items on this bill were optional add-ons?
- Can you submit a pre-treatment estimate before any further work?
Water heater quotes
- What's the exact model number, capacity and warranty on the unit?
- What's the equipment cost and what's the labour cost?
- Is the existing venting being reused or replaced, and why?
- Which items here are required by local code, and which are optional?
- Is the permit included and at cost, and who files it?
- Is removal and disposal of the old unit included?
- What would the equivalent tank — or tankless — option cost, all in?
- How long is your labour warranty, separate from the manufacturer's?
- Are there any utility or manufacturer rebates, and who files them?
Window replacement quotes
- Can I have this broken down per window, with size and style?
- Is each window an insert or a full-frame replacement, and why?
- What brand, line and frame material are you quoting?
- What's the glass package, and can I see the performance ratings?
- Is exterior capping and interior trim included? Painting?
- Who repairs stucco, brick or siding damage if it happens?
- Is disposal of the old windows included?
- How long is your labour warranty, and does the product warranty transfer if I sell?
- Is this price still valid next week?
Electrical quotes
- Is this flat-rate or hourly, and if hourly, what rate and how many hours?
- Exactly what circuits, devices and fixtures are included?
- Where does the wire run from and to, and does it go through finished walls?
- Why is a panel or service upgrade needed — what did you find?
- Is a permit required, who files it, and is the fee at cost?
- Is drywall opening and patching included, and to what finish?
- Are you licensed and insured here, and can I see the certificate?
- Which items are required now and which are recommended for later?
- Will the work be inspected, and will I get documentation?
Internet bill increases
- What promotional rate was I on, and when did it end?
- What's the best rate available today for this speed, including to new customers?
- Can I use my own modem and remove the rental charge?
- Which of these recurring add-ons can be cancelled right now?
- Which of these fees are government charges and which are yours?
- Is there a retention or loyalty offer if I commit to another term?
- Would a lower speed tier actually cost less, all in?
- Can you backdate or credit this increase since I wasn't notified?
- Am I in a contract, and is there an early termination fee?
HVAC and AC quotes
- What are the exact model numbers of the outdoor unit, indoor coil and air handler?
- Was a load calculation done, or is this sized off the old equipment?
- Is the line set new or reused, and is the evaporator coil included?
- What happens to my ductwork — anything sealed, resized or replaced?
- Is the permit included, and which rebates apply and who files them?
- What's the labour warranty length, and does the parts warranty need registering?
- If I keep repairing instead, what's the repair cost and expected remaining life?
Mechanic estimates
- How many labour hours does this job book at, and what's your hourly rate?
- Are the parts OEM, OE-supplier or aftermarket — and what's the price difference?
- Is the diagnostic fee credited toward the repair if I approve it?
- Which of these lines are required now, and which are recommended maintenance?
- Do any of these operations overlap, and has the shared labour been credited?
- What test confirmed this part has failed?
- What's the warranty on the part, and on your labour?
Medical bills
- Can I have a fully itemised bill with procedure codes and dates of service?
- Has this claim been processed by my insurer — can I see the explanation of benefits?
- Does the itemised bill match the explanation of benefits line for line?
- Was every clinician involved in-network, and if not, what protections apply?
- What complexity level was this visit billed at, and why?
- Is financial assistance, a payment plan or a self-pay rate available?
- What's the deadline to dispute or appeal a charge on this bill?
Moving quotes
- Is this estimate binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed?
- Is it priced on weight or on crew hours — and what did you assume?
- Can you attach the inventory this estimate was built from?
- Are there long carry, stair, elevator or shuttle charges at either address?
- What exactly is included in packing, and what do materials cost?
- What's the liability coverage per pound, and what does full-value protection cost?
- Are you the carrier performing this move, and what's your operating authority number?
Garage door quotes
- Which exact job is this quote for — spring, opener, panel, or full replacement?
- If it's springs, what cycle rating am I getting, and are both being replaced?
- What's the make, model and drive type of the opener?
- For a new door: what gauge steel, how many layers, and what insulation value?
- Is the service call credited if I approve the work?
- Is removal and disposal of the old door or opener included?
- What's the warranty on the parts, and separately on your labour?
Water softener quotes
- What's my measured water hardness and iron level, in writing?
- What make, model and grain capacity is this system?
- What exactly does the installation include — bypass, drain line, electrical?
- Can I have the RO, filtration and softener priced separately?
- Is there a service plan or salt subscription, and what does it cost per year?
- What's the cash price, and if financed, the term and total payable?
- How long is this price valid for?
Tree removal quotes
- Are you felling this whole or dismantling it in sections, and why?
- Can I see your liability and workers' compensation certificates?
- Is the stump included — cut flush, or ground, and to what depth?
- Do the chips, logs and brush leave the property?
- What equipment is coming, and where will it be positioned?
- How will you protect the lawn, fence, driveway and roof?
- Is a permit required for this tree in my municipality?
Gutter quotes
- How many linear feet, how many downspouts, and what's the per-foot rate?
- What material, gauge, profile and size are you installing?
- Is this seamless or sectional, and what hangers at what spacing?
- Are gutter guards included, and can I see them priced separately?
- What's the price per foot if fascia board needs replacing?
- Is removal and disposal of the old gutters included?
- What's the warranty on the material, and separately on the installation?
Pest control quotes
- Which pest is this for, and what's the treatment plan?
- How many visits are included, and what does an additional visit cost?
- Is this a contract? What's the term and the total cost over that term?
- Does this include sealing entry points, or is that separate?
- What's the cancellation policy, and does it auto-renew?
- If the problem returns, is the re-treatment free, and for how long?
- Is the inspection charged, and credited if I proceed?
Towing bills
- Who authorised this tow — me, the police, or my insurer?
- What's the base hook-up charge, and the per-mile rate?
- Was I towed to the nearest reasonable yard, and why that one?
- What's the daily storage rate, and is the first day included?
- Were after-hours or recovery charges applied, and why?
- Can I see an itemised invoice rather than a single total?
- What rights do I have to dispute this charge in my province or state?
Transmission quotes
- What did the road test, scan and inspection actually find?
- Is this a fluid service, a targeted part repair, or a rebuild?
- Can a solenoid or valve body repair address this instead?
- Please price a rebuild, a remanufactured exchange, and a new unit separately.
- How many book hours, and what's your hourly rate?
- What's the warranty — parts and labour, for how long, and who backs it?
- Will you show me the old parts and the scan report?
Appliance repair quotes
- What's the diagnostic fee, and is it credited if I approve the repair?
- Which part failed, and what's the model or part number?
- Is labour flat-rate or hourly, and how many hours is this job?
- What's the warranty on the part, and separately on your labour?
- Given the unit's age, is this repair worth it versus replacing?
- If the fault comes back, is a return visit charged?
- Can you leave the old part and show me the fault?
Locksmith bills
- What's the total price to get me in, including the service call and any after-hours fee?
- Will you pick the lock, or drill it, and why?
- Is that the final total, or could it change when you arrive?
- If you drill, is the new lock included or an extra charge?
- What's the rate for a daytime appointment versus tonight?
- Will you give me an itemised receipt?
- Are you licensed and insured in this jurisdiction?
Painting quotes
- Which surfaces are included — walls, ceiling, trim, doors and windows?
- What prep is included — filling, sanding, priming, caulking?
- How many coats, and what product and sheen?
- What's priced separately — drywall repair, wallpaper removal, popcorn ceiling?
- How do you handle vaulted ceilings or high stairwell access?
- What's the warranty on the finish, and for how long?
- Can you walk me through the prep-to-paint ratio on this quote?
Bathroom remodels
- Are any fixtures moving from their current locations? What would the price be if they stayed?
- What waterproofing system are you using in the shower, and where does it extend to?
- What are the tile and fixture allowances, and what do those amounts realistically buy?
- Is the exhaust fan vented outside, and is it being replaced or reused?
- What happens if you open the floor and find rot or a failed subfloor — what's the rate, and do we agree it in writing first?
- Are permits included, and who arranges the inspections?
- How long will the bathroom be out of use, and how many days will trades actually be on site?
- What's warrantied, for how long — the labour, the waterproofing, the fixtures?
Dental work costs
- Can I have the full treatment plan with procedure codes, tooth numbers and fees?
- Which treatment is urgent, which can wait, and what is the clinical reason?
- Are laboratory, temporary restoration and follow-up fees included?
- Is the dentist or specialist in-network for my plan?
- Is the insurer amount a pre-treatment estimate or an approved claim?
- How much of my deductible and annual maximum remains?
- Are there material or treatment alternatives, and how do their fees differ?
- If the insurer pays less than estimated, who is responsible for the difference?
Dog ACL surgery cost
- Which surgical technique are you recommending, and why?
- Who will perform the surgery?
- What does the estimate include before, during and after surgery?
- Are follow-up X-rays and rechecks included?
- How long will my dog stay in hospital?
- What would a different technique cost?
- Is rehab recommended, and what does it cost?
- What does the high end of the estimate depend on?
Dog dental cleaning cost
- What does the base cleaning include?
- Are dental X-rays included?
- What do extractions cost per tooth?
- How will you contact me if you find more problems?
- What medications will be sent home?
Dental implant cost
- Does the price include the post, abutment and crown?
- Do I need a bone graft?
- Is the abutment stock or custom?
- What crown material is included?
- Who performs each stage?
- What procedure codes will be billed?
Head gasket repair cost
- What test confirmed the head gasket failure?
- How many labour hours are quoted?
- Is machine shop work included?
- Which timing parts will be replaced?
- What warranty covers the repair?
- Is the repair worth it given the car's value?
Cremation cost
- Can I have your General Price List?
- What does direct cremation include?
- What is the basic services fee?
- Is the crematory fee included?
- How many death certificates are included?
- Can I supply my own urn?
Root canal cost
- Which tooth is it, and how many canals?
- Will I need a buildup and crown afterwards? What will they cost?
- Are you doing it, or referring me to an endodontist?
- What will my insurance likely cover?
- What are my options if I don't do the root canal?
Timing belt replacement cost
- Does my engine have a timing belt or a chain?
- Does the price include the water pump, tensioner and idlers?
- How many book hours, and what is your hourly rate?
- Which brand of parts are you using?
- What warranty do you give on parts and labour?
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