Plumber Quote Comparison Worksheet

Enter whatever each quote gives you. If a plumber gave you a proper line-item quote, fill in the rate, hours, materials and callout fee. If all you got was one number, put it in the lump-sum field — the tool will flag it, because a lump sum with no breakdown is where surprise invoices come from. Untick the GST box if the quote says "+GST" and we'll add the 15% for you.

Questions to Ask Before You Accept a Quote

1

What’s your PGDB licence number?

Every plumber, gasfitter and drainlayer in New Zealand must hold a current Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board licence. Ask for the number, then check it on the PGDB public register — it’s free and takes under a minute. A legitimate tradesperson won’t hesitate.

2

Who actually does the work?

The person who quoted may not be the person who turns up. Ask whether the work is done by the licence holder, an employee, or a subcontractor — and whether that person is licensed for the specific work (plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying are separate licences).

3

Is the callout fee credited against the work?

Some plumbers credit the callout fee against the first hour of labour if you go ahead; others charge it on top. On a small job that difference alone can swing which quote is cheapest.

4

What’s your written variation approval threshold?

Agree in writing that any extra work beyond the quote — say anything over $200 — stops until you’ve approved it. This is the single best protection against a $400 job becoming a $1,400 invoice.