Construction Tips, How-To Guides, Building Advice & Expert Advice
How to Get a Proper Building Quote in Nottinghamshire
Templewood Construction — Extensions & Loft Conversions Specialists
Blog
Five Things You Need to Know About Getting a Quote for Building Work in Nottinghamshire. If you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, or renovation in Nottinghamshire, getting quotes from builders can feel confusing, inconsistent and sometimes overwhelming.
Homeowners often receive wildly different prices for what appears to be the same job — and that’s because not all quotes are equal.
At Templewood Construction, we want homeowners to feel confident, informed, and protected when choosing a builder. So here are the five essential things you need to know before you request a quote — written specifically for homeowners across Nottingham, West Bridgford, Edwalton, Wollaton, Beeston, Ruddington, Ravenshead, Southwell and the surrounding villages.
1. The Price Depends on Far More Than Square Metres
One of the most common questions we get is:
“How much is an extension per square metre?”
Here's the truth:
👉 Square-metre pricing is one of the most misleading myths in construction.
Two extensions with the same 20m² footprint can differ in price by £40,000–£100,000+, depending on:
-
Structural requirements
-
Groundworks and drainage
-
Window and door specifications
-
Roof type (flat, pitched, lanterns, Velux, steels, etc.)
-
Heating, plumbing and electrics
-
Internal finishes
-
Access to the site
-
Engineering and insulation requirements
-
The complexity of the design
You could easily have a 20m² extension cost £60k or £150k+ depending on specification alone.
That’s why generic m² calculators and “ballpark estimates” online rarely match reality in Nottinghamshire.
2. A Proper Quote Takes Real Professional Skill
A detailed, accurate quote isn’t something a builder can pull out of thin air.
It requires:
-
Structural understanding
-
Knowledge of local regs
-
Supplier liaison
-
Material take-offs
-
Time to measure, calculate, and assess
-
Planning for logistics & waste
-
Scheduling and labour allocation
-
Contingency planning
This is essentially quantity surveying — a profession people go to university for.
A professional QS typically charges £1,000–£2,000+ to prepare a full construction estimate.
So when homeowners expect builders to quote for free, they’re often asking for a day or more of unpaid work.
At Templewood Construction, we create thorough, itemised, transparent quotes, because that’s the only way to produce an accurate price.
Instead of guessing, we invest the time to get it right — and that protects you from cost surprises later.
3. Cheap or Rushed Quotes Lead to Expensive Surprises
If one builder has spent five hours producing a detailed schedule and another has scribbled a number on a notepad, you’ll see a price difference — but not because one is “cheaper”.
Often, cheaper quotes include:
-
Missing items (that become “extras”)
-
Incomplete specifications
-
Unrealistic timelines
-
Incorrect allowances
-
No detail on materials or labour
-
No mention of compliance or warranties
This creates cost creep, where the “cheap” option becomes the most expensive choice.
A fair quote should give you clarity on:
-
What’s included
-
What’s excluded
-
Material specifications
-
Labour assumptions
-
Lead times
-
Milestones
-
Payment stages
Without this, you simply cannot compare contractors.
4. The Market in Nottinghamshire Is Changing — Accuracy Matters More Than Ever
Construction costs have fluctuated significantly over the past few years due to:
-
Material prices rising
-
Skilled labour shortages
-
High demand for good builders
-
Longer supplier lead times
In areas like Wollaton, Edwalton, West Bridgford, Ruddington, Mapperley Park and Southwell, demand for quality renovation work is strong, meaning accurate pricing is essential for proper budgeting.
This is why a detailed quote is now more important than ever.
It ensures you’re not relying on outdated, national-average pricing that doesn’t reflect Nottinghamshire’s real market conditions.
5. When Choosing a Builder, Clarity Is More Important Than Cost
The best quote isn’t the cheapest — it’s the one that gives you confidence.
Ask yourself:
-
Is the specification clear?
-
Are you comparing like-for-like?
-
Does the builder explain the process?
-
Are materials and allowances transparent?
-
Does the quote protect you from hidden costs?
-
Does the builder have a professional track record?
A good builder doesn’t just price your project —
👉 they plan it, manage it, and deliver it safely and correctly.
That’s why Templewood Construction is trusted across Nottinghamshire.
We combine craftsmanship, project management, and transparency from the very start.
Final Recommendation for Homeowners
If you’re serious about extending or renovating your home:
✅ Speak to your builder early
✅ Provide as much detail as possible
✅ Expect to pay for a professional, accurate quote
✅ Don’t base decisions on square-metre clichés
✅ Choose clarity, detail and trust — not guesswork
A well-prepared quote isn’t an expense —
👉 it’s an investment in a smooth, well-delivered project.
Want a Detailed, Professional Quote for Your Extension or Loft Conversion?
Templewood Construction specialises in:
-
Structural alterations
-
Open-plan transformations
-
Design & Build packages
If you live in Nottinghamshire and want a clear, accurate breakdown for your project, get in touch:



