A written carpentry quote is your most important protection when hiring a carpenter in New Zealand. A clear, detailed quote sets expectations on both sides, helps you compare tradespeople fairly, and gives you something to refer back to if a dispute arises. Here's what every good quote should cover.
Contact Details and Business Information
The quote should clearly show the carpenter's full name or business name, physical address, phone number, email, and — if they are a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) — their LBP licence number and licence class. LBP licensing is required for restricted building work (RBW), which includes structural carpentry and work on weathertight elements of homes. Always check the LBP register before engaging a carpenter for this type of work.
The quote should also include your name and the address of the property where the work will be carried out, along with the date the quote was prepared and how long it remains valid (commonly 30 days, though this varies).
Detailed Scope of Work
This is the heart of the document. A vague scope is one of the most common causes of disputes. The quote should describe exactly what work will be done, including:
- Which rooms, areas, or structural elements are included
- Specific tasks (e.g. install new deck framing, replace weatherboards, fit internal door linings)
- What is excluded from the quote — this is just as important as what's included
- Any preparatory or demolition work required
- How existing materials or waste will be disposed of
If the project involves structural work, the quote should note whether a building consent is required. Under the NZ Building Code, many structural alterations require consent from your local council. Some minor work may qualify as a Schedule 1 exemption — but always confirm this with your council before proceeding, as exemptions depend on the specific work and your property type.
Materials and Products
A good quote specifies the materials to be used, including brand, grade, and quantity where relevant. For example, it should state the timber species and treatment level (e.g. H3.2 treated pine for exterior framing), the brand of sheet materials, or the type of hardware. This lets you compare quotes on a like-for-like basis and avoids surprises when cheaper substitutes are used.
If the carpenter is supplying materials, the quote should make clear whether GST is included in the material costs. If you are supplying materials yourself, this should also be noted. Reputable suppliers like PlaceMakers, Mitre 10, and Bunnings are commonly used for carpentry materials in NZ.
Pricing and GST
The quote must clearly state the total price and whether it is inclusive or exclusive of GST (15%). If the carpenter is GST-registered, they are required to show GST separately or state that the price is GST-inclusive. A fixed-price quote gives you cost certainty; a time-and-materials quote should state the hourly rate and an estimated total.
Be cautious of quotes that are unusually vague about pricing or that only provide a rough verbal estimate — always get it in writing.
Payment Terms and Schedule
The quote or accompanying contract should outline:
- Deposit amount (if any) — a deposit of 10–20% is common for larger jobs, as a guide
- Progress payments — for longer projects, payments are often tied to milestones
- Final payment terms — e.g. within 7 days of completion
- Accepted payment methods
Under the Construction Contracts Act, residential construction contracts over a certain value have specific requirements around payment claims and schedules. Your carpenter should be familiar with these obligations.
Timeframes
The quote should include an estimated start date and a projected completion date or duration. Note that these may be subject to change due to weather, consent delays, or material availability — a good quote will acknowledge this and explain how changes will be communicated.
Variations and Change Orders
Any changes to the agreed scope during the project should be handled through a written variation. The quote should state how variations will be priced and approved. This protects you from unexpected costs and protects the carpenter from doing unpaid extra work.
Warranties and Defects
A reputable carpenter should offer a workmanship warranty — typically 12 months is standard, though this can vary. The quote should also reference any manufacturer warranties on materials used. BRANZ provides guidance on best-practice building standards that underpin quality workmanship expectations in NZ.
Insurance
Confirm that the carpenter holds public liability insurance and, if they have employees, employer's liability cover. The quote or a separate document should confirm this. If something goes wrong on site, you want to know you're protected.
When to Call a Professional
If the carpentry work is structural (e.g. altering load-bearing walls, building a deck, framing an addition) or affects the weathertightness of your home, it is classified as restricted building work under the Building Act. This work must be carried out by — or under the supervision of — a Licensed Building Practitioner. Always verify a tradesperson's LBP licence before work begins.
For any carpentry project, large or small, you can find qualified local carpenters on tradedirectory.co.nz. Getting at least two or three written quotes is always a good idea so you can compare scope, materials, and price properly.
