How our cost estimates work

Published by Tradesfolk · Methodology explained 3 October 2026

Use our estimates to plan a conversation with a tradesperson. A quote for your property depends on the actual work, access, condition, materials, timing and what is included.

Where the numbers come from

Our price tools use Tradesfolk's editorial base ranges for labour and materials, last changed on 16 May 2026. The ten written cost guides use a separate set of editorial ranges dated April 2026. We do not currently have an audited source-by-source price survey supporting these datasets, and they are not calculated from completed Tradesfolk jobs.

We therefore describe these figures as planning assumptions. We do not claim that they are official statistics, live local market rates or independently reviewed quotations. A new explanation or checklist date does not mean the underlying prices have been re-surveyed.

How a local estimate is calculated

We add the base labour and material amounts, then apply the selected scope factor and the location factor. Postcode tools use the nearest location in our dataset. Values are rounded for display. Location factors and seasonal charts are model assumptions; they do not measure current demand or an individual business's prices.

For example, a hypothetical £200–£400 base range, a scope factor of 1.5 and a location factor of 1.1 would give £330–£660. This illustrates the calculation, not a real job or customer quote.

Compare the same scope

• Ask whether VAT is included and whether the business is VAT registered. Only a guide with an explicit VAT note states its own VAT assumption.
• Confirm call-out or investigation fees, minimum charges, access equipment, parking, waste disposal and making good.
• List the material specifications, quantity, rooms or measurements, and any work excluded.
• Confirm dates, payment stages and how changes to the job will be agreed.

Independent guidance and real examples

Citizens Advice's home improvement guidance explains getting written quotes and checking a trader. Its linked page covers England and links to advice for other UK nations. This supports the hiring guidance, not our numeric estimates.

Project photos and examples are attributed to the tradesperson who uploaded them. Any project cost is self-reported and may cover a different scope from yours. We publish named expert reviews only when a real reviewer has checked the content; we do not currently claim expert sign-off for these estimates.

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