Check whether the figure is a quote or an estimate
Consumer Protection distinguishes an estimate, which is approximate, from a quote offering specified work for a stated price. Agreed changes to the work can affect the price. Ask for the proposal in writing and make sure the description matches what you requested.
For your comparison, put the same project information in front of each builder: plans and revision, specifications, access, desired finish and known constraints. If the totals differ, ask what each includes. An allowance with an unresolved selection is not the same as a fully specified item. Keep questions tied to the scope so a cheaper proposal is not mistaken for the same work without checking.
Read options and exclusions together
In a TrickyBuilds customer quote, each option shows its total and the stages of work. Open a stage to read the material specifications and the work description. The customer view uses stage totals; it does not provide the internal material purchase prices or labour costing.
Compare the differences described for Basic, Standard and Premium where those options are offered. Check waste removal, preparation, access, reinstatement, finishes and any separately commissioned professional services. If something you expected is absent, ask for clarification before accepting. A concept image illustrates a direction; the written scope and the selected option define what is being agreed.
Agree who does each part and how changes are handled
A DIY choice appears only where TrickyBuilds has included an approved, priced task for you to arrange. Review its responsibilities and timing before removing it. You cannot assume an unlisted task is yours to undertake or that another part of the price will reduce automatically.
Once the quote is accepted, later changes should be recorded as an agreed variation with the scope, price and timing implications. Ask which decisions need your approval and who can approve them. The project record is more useful when everyone can find the same agreed version.
Review the contract and payment arrangements
MBIE requires a written contract for residential building work costing $30,000 or more including GST when the builder contracts directly with the homeowner. The prescribed checklist and disclosure statement must be supplied before signing where that threshold applies, or if the client asks for them. A general quote screen does not replace required contract documents.
Check the deposit, stage invoices, due dates, start arrangements and how delays or disputes are handled. These details should relate to the work you are agreeing to. Get advice on the contract if needed before accepting it.
For a TrickyBuilds quote, the email’s personal link opens without signing in. Review the terms, expiry and selected payment schedule there. Use the separate project button or private project ID from your email for the dashboard. If a detail is unresolved, contact Caleb or request a change before accepting; do not rely on a note beside the payment to alter the agreed scope.
Common questions
Do the customer quote prices include GST?
TrickyBuilds customer quote totals and stage prices are shown including GST, with the currency and tax treatment stated on the quote. Check the written specification and exclusions as well as the total. Read the quote review guide.
Will choosing DIY change which stage the deposit covers?
The deposit is 50% of the first stage that still has TrickyBuilds work. If an approved DIY choice removes all our work from that stage, the deposit moves to the next builder stage. Review the recalculated total and payment schedule before accepting.
How are payments staged after the deposit?
The balance of the first builder stage is invoiced on completion of that stage. Later stages are invoiced in full on completion. The actual accepted quote and invoice terms set out the payment arrangements. Ask Caleb to explain an unclear milestone before accepting.
Where can I find the accepted quote, invoices and project photos?
Use the project dashboard sign-in with the private project ID in your email. No username or password is needed. Your dashboard contains the records shared for your project, including the accepted quote, progress, images, plans and invoices. Opening the personal quote link itself does not require login.
Sources and further reading
General planning guidance, checked 2 November 2026. Confirm the requirements, inspection scope and professional advice for your property before committing to work.
Reviewing your TrickyBuilds quote
Open the personal link in your quote email to review the selected scope, stage totals, shared images, plans and terms. Only owner-approved tasks have a DIY removal option. The quote shows the deposit and stage schedule for that selection. Once accepted, the quote is retained in your project record; proposed changes are agreed as variations. Your private dashboard holds the shared project records and opens with your private project ID or direct project button.