Do I need three quotes?

"Always get three quotes" is one of those bits of advice everyone repeats. But is it actually right? Like most rules of thumb, it's useful — most of the time — but not gospel. Here's how to think about it as a UK homeowner.

Why three quotes is good advice

Getting a few quotes for the same job genuinely helps you in three ways:

• It tells you the going rate. One quote on its own means nothing — you've no idea if it's fair. Three quotes show you the realistic price band for your job.
• It exposes the outliers. A quote that's much higher might mean you're being chanced. One that's much lower often means corners cut, extras to come, or someone who's underestimated the work.
• It lets you judge the person, not just the price. Three conversations tell you who listens, who explains things clearly, and who you'd actually want in your home.

For most medium-to-large jobs — an extension, a new bathroom, a re-roof, a rewire — three quotes is sensible and worth the effort.

When three quotes is overkill

You don't always need three:

• Small or urgent jobs. For a £90 tap repair or an emergency call-out, chasing three quotes wastes everyone's time. One trusted trade is fine.
• A tradesperson you already know and rate. If you've used someone before and they did a great job, loyalty has value — and good trades are worth keeping.
• Highly specialist work where only a couple of firms locally even do it. Get what you can.

The spirit of the rule is "don't just take the first number you're given." Sometimes that takes one quote; sometimes it takes three.

How to compare quotes properly

Three quotes only help if you compare like for like. To do that:

• Give each trade the same brief. The more specific you are about what you want, the more comparable the quotes.
• Make sure each quote covers the same scope. Check what's included: materials, labour, waste removal, scaffolding, making good, VAT.
• Quote vs estimate. Know which you've been given — a quote is a firm price, an estimate can move. (See our guide on quote vs estimate vs invoice.)
• Don't just pick the cheapest. Weigh price against reviews, communication, insurance, guarantees and availability.
• Watch for missing items. A low quote that "forgot" the skip and the scaffolding isn't really the cheapest.

Beyond the number: who should you actually hire?

The cheapest quote is rarely the best decision. The trade you want is the one who:

• Turned up when they said they would to quote.
• Explained the job and answered your questions clearly.
• Has genuine reviews from local customers.
• Carries the right insurance and registrations.
• Gave you a clear, written quote.

Get your quotes the easy way

You don't have to ring round endlessly. Browse local trades on GotAPal, read real reviews from homeowners nearby, and message two or three directly for quotes — all in one place, with no lead fees. That makes getting and comparing your quotes genuinely quick.