Look up the term in the quote you are reviewing
The searchable construction glossary gives concise definitions, practical examples and related terms. Use it beside the estimate or client pack, then check any project-specific meaning in the tender and contract documents.
| Often confused | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Estimate and fixed-price quote | The purpose, scope and commitment attached to the number |
| PC sum and provisional sum | A selected supply item versus work not fully defined |
| Mark-up and margin | Percentage of cost versus percentage of selling price |
| Preliminaries and overhead and profit | Project delivery cost versus business commercial recovery |
| Contingency and risk allowance | The basis and intended coverage of the uncertainty carried |
Carry the meaning into the client quote
If a term changes what the client is buying, add the scope, amount, adjustment basis and remaining decision. “Allowance included” is less useful than a defined supply allowance with installation and upgrade treatment stated.
Use the allowances guide for an example, and the price review checklist to check that the issued wording matches the approved internal basis.
A useful next step
Price review and client handover checklist
Review the pricing basis and reconcile the approved working with the client quote.
Download blank worksheetSee the completed exampleA construction team checks an extension estimate
See how a labour and material breakdown helped a team review a price difference against its existing estimate.
Read the experienceFollow the practical workflow
Use the relevant lesson while preparing, reviewing or issuing your own project.
Open the matching lessonPut this into practice on your next project
Your first complete project is free, including the estimate, risk information, client reports and internal reports. Bring your drawings, specification and site notes, then review the working against how your business will deliver the job.
