Estimate breakdowns
When planning a renovation, it’s natural to want clarity on costs. After all, you want to feel confident that every pound is well spent. That’s why many clients ask us to provide a detailed breakdown of quotes, showing exactly what each part of the job costs.
At Hove Renovations, we’re more than happy to be transparent. But one thing we always explain is that construction projects don’t work quite like a shopping list. Removing one “expensive-looking” item from a breakdown doesn’t always mean the overall price will drop by that exact amount — and here’s why.
Renovation Projects Are Interconnected
Renovation work is a lot like a jigsaw puzzle – all the pieces must fit together in sequence. Changes to one piece can cause a domino effect on scheduling, access, and the order of trades.
Different trades (carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tilers, decorators, etc.) all need to come in one after the other, and each stage often depends on the previous one being finished. With little slack in construction timelines, even a “small” change can have knock-on effects:
Scheduling – If plumbing is delayed, the plastering and tiling can’t start, which in turn holds up the decorator. Each trade relies on the one before, so a single change can ripple through the schedule.
Access & logistics – Builders carefully sequence work to avoid overcrowding on site. Changing or removing an item can throw this off and require re-sequencing.
Shared costs – Things like site set-up, skips, deliveries and project management are spread across the whole job. Removing a single item rarely removes these costs.
Efficiency – If a task is split or pushed back, a trade may have to make an extra visit for a smaller job, which is actually less efficient and can increase labour costs.
In short: a renovation quote is designed to reflect a smooth sequence of work, not isolated tasks.
Example: Bathroom Tiling and Finishing Details
Bathroom tiling is a great example of how detail affects price. Not all tiling jobs are equal – the finishing method makes a big difference.
Tile trim finish – This uses aluminium or PVC trims to cap exposed edges. It’s quick, durable, and cost-effective. From a labour point of view, trims are straightforward, keeping the cost down.
Mitred edges – Here, each tile edge is cut at a 45° angle so two tiles meet seamlessly without visible trim. The finish is beautiful and high-end, but it’s also much more labour-intensive. Each cut must be precise, requires specialist tools, and takes extra time.
To put it in perspective: mitred tiling can add £40–£70 per linear metre in labour compared to trims, depending on tile type and site conditions. It’s not an “extra” for the sake of it — it’s simply the additional time and skill required to achieve that sleek, trimless finish.
This shows why two quotes that both say “Tile the bathroom” may differ significantly in price. Without context, a breakdown line can be misleading.
Why Estimates Sometimes Change Mid-Project
Even with careful planning, renovation is never 100% predictable. Builders don’t have x-ray vision — until we open up floors or walls, we can’t always see what’s lurking underneath.
Common surprises include:
Hidden water damage or rot in subfloors and timbers
Outdated or unsafe wiring and plumbing
Structural issues left by previous work
Tricky older materials (like lath and plaster or asbestos)
When these issues appear, the estimate may need to be adjusted. That’s not because the original quote was inaccurate — it’s because the true scope only becomes clear once the work begins. Renovation is as much about problem-solving as it is about building. A good builder will explain the issue, present options, and agree on the best way forward.
This is also why we always recommend clients allow a contingency budget, typically 10–15%, for unexpected findings.
The Bigger Picture
Breaking down a renovation quote into neat line items might seem straightforward, but it rarely tells the full story. Renovation projects are interconnected, finishing choices matter, and sometimes hidden issues can only be discovered once work begins.
At Hove Renovations, our goal is always to be fair, transparent, and solution-focused. We’ll happily explore cost-saving options, explain what’s included, and keep you updated throughout the process. But most importantly, we want you to see the quote as more than just numbers on a page — it’s a plan for how your home will be transformed.
If you’re planning a project and want clarity, honesty and craftsmanship from start to finish, we’d love to chat. Get in touch with us at Hove Renovations, and let’s bring your ideas to life.
