Detailed estimate
Detailed construction estimate for builders and contractors
A complete breakdown by task, stage and timeline, priced per element by professional estimators. From £110 and ready in 5 working days, so you can quote with confidence and manage the job with clarity.
What is in it
What a detailed construction estimate includes
A detailed estimate goes past a headline figure. It breaks the whole job down so every task, stage and cost is visible before a spade goes in the ground.
Breakdown by task
Every task priced on its own, from groundworks to framing to finishing, so nothing hides inside a single lump sum.
Labour and materials per stage
Material and labour costs calculated separately for each stage of the build, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
Clear timelines
A realistic timeline for each project type, so you can plan the programme and set client expectations from day one.
Priced per element
Each element is costed individually at £110–£280, so the fee scales with the complexity of the project, not a flat rate.
Client-ready PDF
An itemised, branded document with your logo and VAT number, ready to hand a client or attach to a quote.
Faster delivery on request
Standard turnaround is 5 working days, with fast-track and next-day supplements when a deadline is tight.
Detailed estimate pricing
Priced by project type
The fee is set per element and scales with the complexity of the work. Every project type below is delivered in 5 working days as standard.
Detailed Estimate prices by project type
Per element · 5 working days · ex VAT
- Garage conversion
- £110
- External works
- £110
- Outbuilding
- £170
- Basement conversion
- £170
- Loft conversion
- £170
- Single-storey extension
- £170
- Double-storey extension
- £215
- Internal refurbishment
- £215
- New build (up to 4 bed)
- £280
Need it sooner? Add faster delivery to any detailed estimate.
A quicker, cheaper option? A Basic Estimate is £90 for any of these project types. All prices exclude VAT.
Who it is for
Who should choose a detailed estimate
When a lump-sum quote is not enough, a detailed estimate gives you the depth to price, plan and present with confidence.
Builders quoting clients
Present a clear, itemised estimate that wins trust and wins the job, without hours at a spreadsheet.
Contractors managing phases
Price phased work stage by stage so you can track progress and cash flow against the plan on site.
Developers seeking clarity
Get budget certainty on a scheme before you commit, with every element costed and timelined.
How to get started
Three steps to your detailed estimate
1
Send your project details
Upload your drawings, specifications or project notes and tell us the project type.
2
We price it, element by element
Our estimators break the job down by task and stage, with labour and materials costed per element.
3
Receive your estimate
An itemised, branded PDF in 5 working days, or sooner with a fast-track or next-day supplement.
Ready for a detailed estimate on your project?
Send us your drawings and get back an itemised, client-ready breakdown from £110, priced by task, stage and timeline.
Guides
Cost guides
Prices and how to estimate the work, from Builder Expert's own estimating data.
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- Time Is Money: Construction Estimating Techniques That Speed Up Renovations
- Top 7 Common Construction Estimating Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- The True Cost of Inaccurate Construction Estimates in UK Construction
FAQ
Detailed estimate questions, answered
What is a detailed construction estimate?
It is a complete breakdown of a project by task, stage and timeline, with labour and material costs priced per element. It goes deeper than a basic quote, giving builders, contractors and developers full clarity on what a job will cost and when.
How much does a detailed estimate cost?
The fee runs £110–£280 per element depending on the project type. A garage conversion or external works is £110, most conversions and single-storey extensions are £170, double-storey extensions and internal refurbishments are £215, and a new build up to 4 bedrooms is £280. All prices exclude VAT.
How long does it take?
Standard delivery is 5 working days. A fast-track supplement of £50 brings it to 2 working days, and a next-day option of £90 delivers before 1pm.
What projects do you cover?
UK residential and light commercial work: garage conversions, external works, outbuildings, basements, lofts, single and double-storey extensions, internal refurbishments and new builds up to 4 bedrooms. For anything non-standard, a Custom Estimate covers it.