Why Some Quotes Increase After Work Starts (And How to Prevent It)
Worried your quote will increase after work starts? Learn why prices change, what’s reasonable, and how to prevent surprise costs with clear written terms.
You agree a quote, the work begins — then the price goes up. For many homeowners and businesses, this is one of the most frustrating parts of hiring services. Sometimes a price increase is fair and unavoidable. Other times, it happens because the quote was vague, the scope wasn’t agreed properly, or extra charges weren’t explained upfront.
This guide explains why quotes increase after work starts, what’s reasonable, what’s a red flag, and how to reduce the risk before you commit. If you’re still budgeting, start with Service Costs in the UK: How Much Should You Expect to Pay? (2026 Guide) for a clear overview of how pricing works.
The Two Types of Price Increases
Most quote increases fall into one of these categories:
1) Legitimate increases
These happen when:
the scope changes (you request extra work)
hidden issues are discovered (common in repairs)
access or conditions are different from what was described
materials/parts change based on your preferences
2) Preventable (or suspicious) increases
These often happen when:
the original quote wasn’t detailed
exclusions weren’t stated
the provider underquoted to win the job
there’s no written agreement or fixed pricing
Understanding the difference helps you respond calmly and protect your budget.
The Quote Was Actually an Estimate
A common misunderstanding: many people assume a “quote” means a fixed price — but sometimes it’s really an estimate.
An estimate is a best guess based on available details and can change.
A fixed quote should only change if the scope changes or something unexpected occurs.
How to prevent it:
Ask in writing: “Is this a fixed quote or an estimate?”
If it’s an estimate, ask for a realistic range and what could push it higher.
The Scope Was Not Clear Enough
If the quote doesn’t clearly describe what’s included and excluded, the job becomes open to interpretation.
This is where costs creep in:
prep work wasn’t included
finishing or “making good” wasn’t included
disposal wasn’t included
materials were assumed but not specified
For a full checklist of what a quote should include, revisit Hidden Costs in Service Quotes: What to Watch Out For.
How to prevent it:
Ask: “Can you list what’s included and what’s excluded?”
Then confirm it in writing.
New Problems Were Discovered Once Work Started
This is common with repairs, older properties, or jobs where issues are hidden until something is opened up.
Examples:
damaged parts behind a surface
hidden leaks or rot
unstable fixings
unexpected structural or access issues
If the extra work is genuinely needed, a revised price may be fair.
How to prevent it:
Ask before starting: “What happens if you uncover additional issues?”
A professional provider should explain the process: pause, show evidence, agree pricing, then continue.
You Requested Changes Mid-Job
Even small changes can increase time and materials, such as:
upgrading materials
adding extra tasks
changing the finish or specification
expanding the job area
This isn’t a “hidden cost” — it’s a scope change.
How to prevent it:
If you change the plan, ask for a quick written confirmation of:
what’s changing
the new cost
any new time impact
Materials or Parts Were Priced as an Allowance
Some quotes include a materials allowance (a placeholder budget). If the real costs are higher, the final bill increases.
How to prevent it:
Ask if materials/parts are a fixed price or an allowance
Ask what spec/brand is assumed
Request options: basic vs mid-range vs premium
The Provider Underquoted to Win the Job
This is a common reason for “surprise” increases: an unrealistically low quote used to secure the work, followed by extras later.
Red flags include:
the quote is much lower than others
very little detail is provided
pressure to start quickly
vague language like “extras may apply” with no explanation
How to prevent it:
Compare at least 3 quotes
Avoid accepting vague one-line quotes
Choose best value, not just lowest price
Extras Were Never Mentioned Upfront
Some providers add charges later for things they consider “standard extras”, such as:
call-out fees
disposal and clean-up
parking/travel
out-of-hours rates
protection measures (coverings, dust control, moving furniture)
How to prevent it:
Ask: “Are there any additional charges I should expect?”
Then ask for those to be listed on the quote.
What to Do If a Quote Increases
If the price rises after work starts, don’t panic — handle it step-by-step:
Ask for a clear explanation of why the cost increased
Request a written update showing the revised scope and price
Ask for evidence if “unexpected issues” are claimed
Decide whether to approve the change before work continues
If you disagree, pause and get a second opinion (where possible)
The most important rule: don’t accept vague increases without clarity and written confirmation.
The Best Way to Prevent Quote Increases
Before work begins, make sure you have:
A written quote that states whether it’s fixed or estimated
A clear scope of work (included + excluded)
VAT clarity
A breakdown of labour/materials where relevant
A process for variations (how changes are approved and priced)
Confirmation of any potential extras (disposal, travel, parking, out-of-hours)
If you’re still planning your budget, read Service Costs in the UK: How Much Should You Expect to Pay? (2026 Guide) to understand what influences pricing in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Quotes increase after work starts for two main reasons: uncertainty and unclear agreements. You can’t control every hidden issue, but you can control clarity. The more detailed the quote and the clearer the process for changes, the less likely you are to face unpleasant surprises. If you want fewer price shocks, compare quotes properly, ask the right questions upfront, and get everything confirmed in writing.
FAQ — Why Some Quotes Increase After Work Starts (And How to Prevent It)
Why did my quote increase after the job started?
Common reasons are unclear scope, hidden issues discovered during work, changes you requested, materials priced as allowances, or the original price being an estimate.
Is it normal for a quote to change once work begins?
It can be normal if it was an estimate, the scope changed, or unexpected problems were found. It’s less acceptable when the quote was vague or key extras were never mentioned.
What’s the difference between a quote and an estimate?
A quote is usually a fixed price for agreed work, while an estimate is a likely cost that can change depending on what’s found or what changes during the job.
Can a contractor raise the price without asking?
They should not increase the price without explaining why and agreeing it with you first. Ask for written confirmation of any changes before work continues.
How can I prevent a quote increasing?
Get everything in writing: fixed vs estimated price, inclusions/exclusions, VAT clarity, and a process for approving variations and extra work.
What should I do if I disagree with a price increase?
Pause the work if possible, request a written breakdown and evidence for extra work, and get a second opinion if the explanation doesn’t make sense.
Are “extras” like disposal and parking legitimate?
They can be, but they should be disclosed upfront. If they appear later without warning, ask why they weren’t included in the original quote.
Should I always choose the cheapest quote to avoid increases?
Not necessarily. Very low quotes can be more likely to rise later through add-ons. Best practice is to compare scope and choose best value, not just price.
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