Getting a quote
What information a liquid screed quotation needs from you
A practical checklist of the information that helps produce an accurate, workable liquid screed quotation without repeated back-and-forth.
The quality of a quotation depends heavily on the quality of information supplied at enquiry stage — vague descriptions lead to caveated prices that need revisiting later, or a price that has to be adjusted once real site conditions are known. Gathering the right details upfront saves time for everyone involved and reduces the number of follow-up questions needed before a firm figure can be given.
This isn't about creating extra work for the client; it's about front-loading the questions that would otherwise surface at survey or pour-booking stage, so the figure given at enquiry is one that's likely to hold rather than a rough placeholder. Most of the information requested is either already available from drawings or can be confirmed with a quick conversation with the architect, builder or heating installer.
Some of this information is straightforward to provide from drawings or a quick tape measure, while other items — such as whether underfloor heating pipework is already fixed, or what floor covering is intended — depend on decisions made elsewhere in the build, so it's worth chasing those answers before asking for a firm quotation. Where an answer genuinely isn't known yet, saying so is more useful than guessing, since it lets the quotation flag the assumption clearly.
Why UFH details matter early
The presence, layout and pipe-fixing method of underfloor heating changes the minimum screed depth and sometimes the recommended product, so confirming this early avoids a quotation that has to be revised once installation photos arrive.
Where underfloor heating is being designed alongside the screed rather than after it, involving both parties in an early conversation about depth and pipe centres helps avoid a mismatch between what the heating design assumes and what the screed can practically achieve.
Programme dates versus fixed dates
A rough target date is useful even if it later slips, because it lets us flag likely lead times and busy periods. Being clear about which dependencies are still outstanding — for example insulation not yet delivered — helps set realistic expectations from the outset.
It's common for an initial target date to move as other trades' programmes shift; keeping communication open about this means the pour date can be adjusted in good time rather than discovered to be unworkable at the last minute.
What happens if information is incomplete
Where key details aren't yet available, a quotation can often still be produced with clearly stated assumptions, allowing the client to see a rough figure while the missing information is confirmed separately.
This approach is usually more useful than waiting for every detail before giving any indication of cost, particularly for clients trying to build an overall budget picture for their project at an early stage.
Who typically supplies this information
On a self-build or small extension, the homeowner or their builder often provides most of this directly. On larger or architect-led projects, drawings and specifications usually come from the design team, with the main contractor coordinating input from other trades such as the heating installer.
Regardless of who supplies it, having a single point of contact who can answer follow-up questions speeds up the process considerably compared with information arriving piecemeal from several different people.
Information needed to quote — the points that decide it
- Floor plans or sketch dimensions for each area, including room names and any level changes.
- Confirmation of whether underfloor heating is included, and whether it's already installed or being fitted at the same stage.
- The insulation type and thickness being used, or planned, beneath the screed.
- The intended final floor finish, since this affects tolerance requirements and sometimes the screed type chosen.
- Rough programme dates, including when the sub-base and insulation will be ready.
- Site access details, particularly for pumped deliveries — parking, doorway widths and any stairs or lifts.
- Whether the building is occupied or under construction, which affects protection and working hours.
- Contact details for other relevant trades, such as the heating installer, where coordination will be needed.
- Any known constraints such as listed building status, restricted delivery hours, or shared access with neighbouring properties.
Have plans ready to send over?
Email or message us your drawings and we'll come back with a considered quotation.
Or call our landline on 01392 237700
Information needed to quote — your questions
In short
A practical checklist of the information that helps produce an accurate, workable liquid screed quotation without repeated back-and-forth.
Have plans ready to send over?
Email or message us your drawings and we'll come back with a considered quotation.