When you’re planning a build or renovation, it’s tempting to shop around for free quotes. After all, it feels like the responsible thing to do—get a few numbers, compare costs, and make an informed decision, right?
But here’s the hard truth: free quotes aren’t free. And more often than not, they end up costing you more in the long run.
Here’s why you should think twice before chasing free quotes—and what to look for instead.
1. They’re full of exclusions (whether you see them or not)
Free quotes are usually quick, surface-level estimates designed to give a rough ballpark—not a reliable cost for your actual project. To save time (and money), builders will often leave out key items, make assumptions, or list vague allowances that don’t reflect the true scope.
You might not notice the fine print—but you’ll feel it later when the variations and additional costs start rolling in.
2. They’re rushed, inaccurate and lack the detail you actually want need
Builders are busy. If they’re not being paid to quote, they’re fitting it in after hours or between jobs, and the result is usually a rushed spreadsheet based on minimal info. That means your quote might be based on outdated pricing, incorrect measurements, or unrealistic timelines.
On top of that, free quotes rarely go deep enough to give you the transparency you need. What’s included? What’s not? What assumptions are being made? Where are the risks?
You’re left comparing numbers with no context, and no real insight into how each builder plans to approach the job. It’s like buying a car based only on the price tag, without looking under the hood.
3. You get what you pay for
Builders are professionals. Just like you wouldn’t expect a lawyer, architect, or accountant to work for free, a builder’s time and expertise is worth paying for—especially during the early planning stage.
A paid quote under a preliminary agreement gives the builder time to properly cost your project, consult subcontractors and suppliers, and dig into the details. You’re not just paying for a number—you’re paying for clarity, confidence, and a smoother project from day one.
4. A Preliminary Agreement protects everyone
When you invest in a builder’s time upfront, you’re starting a proper working relationship—not a bidding war. The builder becomes part of your team, helping to refine the design, flag risks, and make smart cost decisions early—long before a hammer hits a nail.
This process leads to fewer surprises, more accurate budgets, and a much stronger foundation for the build itself.
5. Desperate builders offer free quotes—and that’s a red flag
Builders who consistently offer free quotes are often doing so because they’re struggling to win work. That may sound harmless—but it should raise alarm bells. Desperate builders are more likely to underquote just to secure the job, which almost always leads to cost blowouts or corner-cutting later.
Even worse, many of these builders are financially unstable. There’s a real risk they may not survive your project—leaving you out of pocket and mid-way through a build with no one to finish it.
At Lewis Build, we do things differently
We believe in transparency, accuracy, and collaboration from day one. That’s why we offer a Master Builders Preliminary Agreement, which covers everything from the initial consultation right through to contract signing.
As part of this process, we use Utecture software to create a full 3D model of your project—allowing you to visualise your future home, explore material and layout options, and see how design changes affect your budget in real time.
This approach gives you clarity, helps avoid costly surprises, and ensures we’re completely aligned before any work begins on site.
In summary
Free quotes might seem appealing—but when it comes to building, they’re rarely worth the paper they’re printed on. They’re vague, rushed, and full of guesswork.
At worst, they’re a red flag that the builder may not have the financial strength to complete your project.
A quality build starts with quality planning. Invest in the right process from the start—and get the clarity, confidence, and collaboration your project deserves.
Thinking about your next project? Let’s talk about how to start strong with a detailed, transparent, and realistic plan—backed by experience, technology, and a builder you can trust.
