Building Terms Glossary

Also: QS

Estimates costs, prepares bills of quantities, and manages project budgets

Also: engineered stone worktop, quartz composite worktop, composite stone worktop, Silestone, Caesarstone

Engineered stone worktop made from crushed quartz bound with resin. Non-porous, extremely durable, low maintenance. Requires professional templating after units are fitted, with about 1-2 weeks of fabrication (longer for imported or special-order slabs). UK supply-only prices from £99-499/m depending on brand and finish.

Also: excluded items, quote exclusions, not included in the price, excluded from the quote

An item of work or cost that a quote states, or silently leaves out, as not included in the price, so it becomes an extra if the homeowner needs it. Loft examples seen across sources include decoration, floor coverings, ensuite fittings, fire doors on the lower floors, a consumer unit upgrade, and building control or party wall fees, depending on the company.

Also: quote expiry, quotation validity

The window of time during which a builder’s quoted price is guaranteed, typically 30–90 days. After this period expires, the builder can change their price to reflect any cost increases.

Also: 90-day validity, offer acceptance period, connection offer window

Network operators issue quotes with a 90-day acceptance window. If the project slips past this window, a new site survey and quote is required.