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.
97 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?
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