Quoting is where a residential builder makes or loses money before a single tool comes out. Here’s the process, start to finish.

1. Do an accurate take-off

Measure quantities directly from the plans — concrete, framing, bricks, roofing, linings, fixtures. A 10%% take-off error is a 10%% hole in your margin. Free tools like our construction calculators speed up material quantities.

2. Price materials and labour by trade

Break the job into trades and price each: material supply plus labour (your own or subcontract quotes). Use current supplier pricing, and lock each subbie quote in writing so it cannot move under you.

3. Add margin, not just markup

This is where builders go wrong. Markup is what you add to cost; margin is what you keep as a percentage of the total. A 20%% markup is only about a 17%% margin. Price to the margin you need, and include overheads (insurance, admin, vehicles), not just site costs.

4. Allow for the unknowns

Use PC (prime cost) and PS (provisional sum) allowances for items not yet chosen (tiles, tapware, appliances) so you are not wearing selection blowouts. Add a contingency for site conditions, and state GST clearly.

5. Present it professionally

A clear, itemised, branded quote wins more work than a scribbled number. Start from our free construction quote template, and once you are quoting regularly, Built Simple turns take-offs into client-ready quotes.

Winning the job is a separate skill — see how to win more construction quotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you quote a residential build in Australia?

Do an accurate take-off from the plans, price materials and labour for each trade, add your margin (not just markup), allow for PC/PS sums, contingencies and GST, then present an itemised fixed-price or cost-plus quote. Accurate measurement and correct margin most affect whether the quote is profitable.

What is the difference between markup and margin in construction?

Markup is the percentage you add to your cost; margin is the percentage of the final price you keep. They are not the same: a 20 percent markup equals only about a 17 percent margin. Pricing to a target margin, and including overheads, is what keeps a build profitable.

What are PC and PS sums in a building quote?

A prime cost (PC) sum is an allowance for an item not yet selected, like tiles or tapware. A provisional sum (PS) is an allowance for work not yet fully defined. They let you quote fairly without wearing the cost of the client selections made later.