What should be on a residential building tender checklist?

A tender checklist helps you compare quotes on the same basis. It usually includes: the same set of drawings and specifications for every tenderer; the licence number, ABN and insurance of each; a priced scope with inclusions and exclusions; allowances for prime cost and provisional sums, listed separately; the programme and start date; payment stages; how variations are priced; warranties and defect periods; and referees or examples of similar work. Compare scope as well as price, and ask each tenderer to explain anything that looks unusually low. Check your state's rules on contracts and have a lawyer review the contract you choose.

In MyBuildHub: record each quote against its budget line and mark the accepted quote, so your forecast reflects the real cost.

Check yourself: your state licensing register, and your state consumer affairs or fair trading body.

This is general information only. It is not legal advice, and MyBuildHub is not a law firm. Laws differ by state and change over time. Speak to a lawyer or your state regulator about your situation before you sign or act.