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How to Read and Understand a Construction Quotation
Building a home is one of the biggest financial decisions in your life. But most homeowners in Chennai make one common mistake. They approve the quotation without understanding it.
A construction quotation is not just a price list. It is a technical document that defines your house quality, durability, safety and even your future maintenance cost.
Many clients only compare the total amount. However, two contractors may quote ₹2,200 per sq.ft and ₹2,600 per sq.ft. Yet the cheaper one may actually cost you more later.
At Urban Space Builders, we regularly meet homeowners who face budget overruns and quality issues simply because the quotation was not properly understood before starting construction.
This guide will help you properly read a construction quotation in Chennai, identify hidden costs, and confidently choose the right builder with clarity and confidence.
What is a Construction Quotation?
A construction quotation is a detailed cost estimate prepared by a contractor that explains:
- Material specifications
- Structural details
- Labour charges
- Finishing items
- Payment stages
- Project scope
It is essentially a promise document. Whatever is written in the quotation is what the contractor is legally responsible to deliver. If something is not written, it is not guaranteed. Before even reviewing a quotation, you must understand planning importance.
Read this: Why Planning Matters More Than Materials in Construction
Because quotation quality depends on planning quality.
The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make
Most people only check the per square feet cost. This is the wrong approach.
A proper building estimate breakdown includes 5 major parts:
- Structural Work
- Masonry Work
- Electrical and Plumbing
- Finishing
- Miscellaneous and Site Work
If a contractor gives only a single page quotation, it is a major warning sign.
Understanding the Cost Per Square Feet
The construction cost per sq ft in Chennai varies due to:
- Soil condition
- Number of floors
- Foundation type
- Structural design
- Material brand
- Finishing level
Cheap quotations usually hide costs in foundation work, steel quantity, electrical points and waterproofing. This is why professional builders provide detailed construction packages instead of a simple rate.
How to Read Each Section in a House Construction Quotation
Structural Work
This determines whether your house lasts 20 years or 80 years.
Look for:
- Footing type
- Steel brand
- Steel quantity in kg per sq.ft
- Concrete grade such as M20 or M25
- Column size
- Beam size
- Basement height
If steel quantity is not mentioned, the quotation is incomplete. Low cost contractors often reduce steel to reduce price. This directly affects earthquake resistance and load capacity.
Brick Work and Masonry
Check:
- Brick type such as wire cut, chamber or fly ash
- Wall thickness 4.5 inch or 9 inch
- Mortar ratio 1:5 or 1:6
This impacts crack resistance, sound insulation and heat reduction.
Electrical and Plumbing
This is where many hidden charges occur.
Verify:
- Number of electrical points
- Wire brand
- Switch brand
- Earthing provision
- Plumbing pipe type
- Bathroom fittings provision
Common issue: contractor quotes only basic wiring and later charges for extra points.
Finishing Works
This includes:
- Tiles
- Putty
- Paint
- Doors
- Windows
- Staircase
- Kitchen
Always check the brand and budget limit.
Example:
Tiles included ₹50 per sq.ft but showroom tiles cost ₹120 per sq.ft. You must pay the difference.
Hidden Charges You Must Watch
A good civil construction estimate will clearly mention:
- Borewell
- Sump
- Septic tank
- Compound wall
- Waterproofing
- Elevation design
- Approval drawings
If these are missing, they will be charged later as extra work. This is how many low quotations become expensive.
Payment Schedule
Never accept a quotation asking large advance payment.
Correct format is stage wise payment:
- Foundation completion
- Basement completion
- Roof casting
- Brick work
- Plastering
- Finishing
- Handover
Stage payments protect the homeowner.
Specifications vs Assumptions
Construction disputes happen because of assumptions.
Bad quotation: Good quality materials will be used.
Professional quotation example:
- UltraTech Cement
- Tata Steel
- Finolex Wire
- Asian Paints
Specific brands remove confusion and prevent quality compromise.
Checklist Before Approving a Contractor Quotation
Before signing:
- Structural drawing available
- Electrical layout provided
- Plumbing layout included
- Material brands mentioned
- Payment schedule defined
- Timeline specified
- Warranty written
If any of these are missing, do not proceed.
Why a Detailed Quotation Saves Money
A proper residential construction quotation format helps you:
- Avoid rework
- Prevent budget overrun
- Ensure safety
- Track material usage
- Maintain resale value
Most construction failures do not happen because of bad materials. They happen because of bad documentation. Your quotation is actually your construction insurance.
Conclusion
A construction quotation is not just a price comparison tool. It is the technical foundation of your house project.
Never choose a builder based only on the lowest cost. Choose the builder who provides the most transparent and detailed quotation. Cheap quotation results in expensive future repairs.
Take time to understand the estimate, verify specifications and ensure every detail is written clearly. A properly documented quotation protects your money, your time and your dream home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should a construction quotation include?
It should include structural details, material specifications, electrical and plumbing scope, finishing works, payment schedule and timeline. - Why are some contractors cheaper?
They reduce steel quantity, omit waterproofing or exclude essential works which are later charged separately. - Is per square feet cost reliable?
No. Only a detailed specification based quotation is reliable. - Can I negotiate a construction quotation?
Yes. You should negotiate specifications and scope instead of only price. - How do I avoid hidden charges in construction?
Ensure every work item is clearly written in the quotation and approved before signing.
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