⚡ What Is a Quick Quote?
A Quick Quote is a fast and simple way to get an estimated price for a smaller or straightforward job — without going through the full tender process.
It’s ideal for jobs where:
- The scope of work is clear and easy to describe
- You don’t need detailed contract drawings or technical documents
- The value of the work is relatively low
- You just want to compare a few prices quickly before deciding
✅ When to Use a Quick Quote
- Fitting a new internal door
- Painting a single room
- Replacing a kitchen tap
- Installing a garden fence panel
- Adding a couple of extra plug sockets
If your project is larger, complex, or needs multiple trades (e.g., a house extension or full renovation), a Tender is more suitable.
1 Job Title
Give a short, clear title that sums up the job.
Examples:
🔧 Install 6x4 Garden Shed in Rear Garden
🔌 Add 4 Double Plug Sockets in Bedroom
2 Job Description
Describe the work in everyday language. Include:
a. What the job is
What do you want done? Is it a new install, repair, or upgrade?
b. Measurements/quantities
Size (for physical jobs) or number of items (sockets, tiles, lights etc.)
c. Location on property
Front/back garden? Upstairs/downstairs? Wall-mounted or freestanding?
d. Access information
Can contractors access easily? Any restrictions (narrow lanes, shared driveways)?
e. Who supplies what
What you'll supply vs. what contractor supplies (materials, tools, disposal)
f. Preferred timescales
Urgent or flexible? Ideal completion date if known
🛠️ Shed Installation Example
Title: Install 6ft x 4ft Garden Shed with Base
Description: I need a 6ft x 4ft wooden shed installed in my back garden. The shed has already been purchased and will be delivered to site. I also need a simple wooden or concrete base constructed to support the shed. The area is flat lawn, approx. 8ft x 6ft. Access is through a side gate (standard width). I will supply the shed only. Contractor to supply the base materials (e.g., timber or concrete), tools, and labour. Shed to be fully assembled and secured to the base. Ideally completed by 30th September. No planning permission required.
⚡ Electrical Work Example
Title: Install 4 Double Plug Sockets in Bedroom
Description: I need four new double plug sockets installed in a first-floor bedroom of a 3-bed house. All sockets to be flush-mounted on plasterboard walls. Two on each side of the room. Cables to be chased into the wall if possible. The consumer unit is modern (RCD protected). Access is clear; room will be empty. I will supply the sockets and faceplates. Contractor to supply cables, boxes, trunking (if needed), tools, and labour. Work to be completed before 15th September. Electrical certificate required on completion.
3 Optional: Add Supporting Files
Tenderly allows you to upload:
- Photos of the job area
- Plans or sketches (if you have any)
- Documents (e.g., planning permission, manufacturer specs)
Even rough mobile photos can help a lot.
💡 Quick Tips for Better Results
- Be specific - avoid terms like "ASAP" or "a few sockets"
- If unsure about anything, say so! Contractors can help guide you
- Use plain language - you don't need to be technical
- Upload photos - they help contractors understand the job better
Need Help Creating Your Listing?
Our support team is ready to guide you through posting your job.
Contact Support🔍 What Is a Tender Request?
A tender request is a detailed job package inviting contractors to price and propose for a construction project. Think of it as your project brief — contractors will use this information to:
- Understand the scope of work
- Calculate costs accurately
- Decide if the project suits them
- Submit a competitive and informed quotation
A well-prepared tender package leads to more accurate quotes and better contractor matches.
🧱 Common Jobs That Require a Tender
📂 What to Include in Your Tender Package
Below is a breakdown of everything you should provide. Don't worry — not all of it is mandatory, but the more you provide, the better your quotes will be.
1 ✅ Clear Job Title
Start with a descriptive title:
Single-Storey Rear Extension to 3-Bed House in Onchan
2 ✅ Full Project Description
This is the heart of your tender. Cover the following points:
a. Project Summary
- What are you building/renovating?
- Why are you doing the work (e.g., to create more kitchen space)?
- Is it a full build, a partial fit-out, or just shell and core?
b. Location Details
- Full site address
- Type of property (detached, semi-detached, etc.)
- Access info (e.g., rear access via side lane, shared driveway, parking available?)
c. Planning Status
- Has planning permission been granted?
- Upload decision notice if available
- Building Control application status (submitted/approved/in progress)
d. Scope of Work – in Plain English
- What rooms or areas are affected?
- Are there existing structures to be demolished?
- Is drainage involved?
- Are there any new windows, doors, rooflights?
- Are finishes included (painting, tiling, flooring)?
- Are electrical and plumbing works included?
3 ✅ Key Documents to Upload
Contractors expect to see the following:
| 📁 Document Type | ✅ Required? | 📝 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Drawings (PDFs) | Yes | Include plans, elevations, sections |
| Structural Engineer's Drawings | If available | Especially if beams or foundations are involved |
| Specification or Schedule of Works | Yes | A detailed list of what's included in the build |
| Planning Approval Notice | If available | Optional but helpful |
| Building Regulations Drawings | Yes, if submitted | Shows insulation, fire safety, construction detail |
| Photos of the Existing Site | Yes | Help contractors visualise access and layout |
| Any Reports (e.g., asbestos, drainage) | Optional | Useful for pre-empting risks |
Don't have all of these yet? That's okay — upload what you have. You can update the listing later.
4 ✅ Who Is Supplying What?
Clearly outline what the contractor is responsible for and what you will supply. For example:
| Item | Supplied By |
|---|---|
| Bricks and blocks | Contractor |
| Kitchen units and appliances | Client |
| Floor tiles and carpet | Client |
| Paint and decorating materials | Contractor |
| Structural steel | Contractor (to coordinate with engineer) |
Be specific. If you want contractors to supply everything, say so (this is called a "turnkey" job).
5 ✅ Expected Timescales
- When do you want work to start?
- Are there any constraints (e.g., school holidays, planning conditions)?
- Estimated build duration (e.g., 10–12 weeks)
"Ideally start before November 2025. Completion by early February 2026, but flexible if needed."
6 ✅ Budget Guidance (Optional)
You don't have to share this, but it helps to say:
"We have budgeted approximately £45,000 for the build excluding kitchen fit-out."
This filters out contractors who are too expensive or unsuitable.
7 ✅ Contract Type & Payment Terms
If you've already decided:
- Will you be using a written contract (e.g., JCT Minor Works)?
- Are you working with a quantity surveyor or project manager?
- Will payments be staged (e.g., 5 stages) or monthly?
If not, you can ask contractors to include a proposal for how they would structure payments and contracts.
🧾 Real-World Example: Tender for Rear Extension
Title: Tender – Rear Kitchen Extension (Onchan)
Description: We are seeking quotations from experienced building contractors for the construction of a single-storey rear extension at our 3-bedroom semi-detached home in Onchan. The proposed extension will add 16 sqm of open-plan kitchen/living space.
Details:
- Planning permission has been approved (Ref: 24/****)
- Building Control application submitted
- Drawings and structural details uploaded
- Access via side passage, no parking restrictions
- Client to supply kitchen and flooring
- Contractor to supply all building materials, labour, skip hire, and scaffolding
- Timescale: Start October, finish by January if possible
- Specification document outlines full scope (uploaded)
- Budget: Approx. £45,000 (excluding kitchen)
- Payment terms to be agreed, ideally 5-stage or monthly valuation
Uploaded Documents:
- Planning Drawings (A1 PDFs)
- Structural Steel Layout from Engineer
- Full Specification Document (PDF)
- Photos of Rear Garden and Access
📤 How to Submit Your Tender on Tenderly
Submission Process:
- Log in as a Client
- Go to "Add Project"
- Fill out the form using the guide above
- Upload all documents (PDFs, DOCs, images, etc.)
- Submit
After Submission:
- Contractors registered on Tenderly will be notified
- They'll be given the opportunity to review the information, express their interest, ask clarifications, and send in their tender responses
- At each step of the process, you'll be notified via your Notifications Page so you're kept in the loop in real-time
💬 Need Help Preparing Your Tender?
Tenderly can advise on the best course of action and point you in the right direction for professional help if required. We're happy to offer guidance, but preparation of full tenders is the responsibility of the client or their appointed professional.
Contact Support