We know that price is often the very first thing you look at when you receive a quote.

It is completely natural to have a budget and to want to ensure you are getting good value for your money.

So, let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. We know we aren’t the cheapest option in Surrey and West Sussex.

To be perfectly honest, this is something we are upfront about.

In a trade that is sadly known for letting people down, we took a different path by deciding that competing on price often meant compromising on the things that matter most. Namely reliability, quality, and respect for your home.

Instead, we compete on value.

This article will explain exactly what goes into our pricing structure. We will break down the difference between a “cheap” quote and a “value” quote to help you understand what you are paying for.

We want to help you make an informed decision about your investment, even if that means you decide we aren’t the right fit for you.

Here is a summary of the core reasons why a premium service costs more than a standard builder.

Key Takeaways

• Premium quotes include infrastructure: Costs cover comprehensive project management and office support, ensuring you always have a point of contact.
• Reliability reduces risk: A team-based model eliminates the “single point of failure” risk associated with sole traders, guaranteeing project continuity.
• Unseen quality prevents future costs: Higher initial investments cover critical “unseen” work like waterproofing and structural prep, preventing expensive repairs later.
• Value outweighs initial cost: The true value is measured by the longevity of the finish and the stress-free nature of the process, not just the bottom-line figure.

What drives renovation prices up?

When you look across the renovation industry, several key factors will always drive the cost of a project higher.

Understanding these helps you see where your money is actually going.

The first major factor is the scope and complexity of the work. A simple “rip out and replace” where the plumbing stays in the same place is straightforward.

However, moving waste pipes, taking down walls, or installing complex lighting schemes requires significantly more time and skilled labour.

Materials and finishes also play a huge role. There is a vast difference in cost between standard ceramic tiles and high-end porcelain or natural stone.

The same applies to brassware. Premium taps and showers not only cost more to buy but often require more time to install precisely.

Labour expertise is another significant driver. Highly skilled craftsmen who are qualified, insured, and experienced command higher day rates than general handymen.

You are paying for efficiency, high-quality workmanship, and the ability to solve problems correctly the first time.

Finally, project management is often the invisible cost in a quote. Proper management ensures materials arrive on time, trades are scheduled correctly, and you have a single point of contact.

This creates a seamless process but requires dedicated time and resources.

Why are some companies so cheap? (And what drives prices down)

Conversely, there are ways to lower the cost of a renovation, but it is important to understand the trade-offs involved.

The most common route to a lower price is the “One-Man Band” model. Hiring a single tradesperson who does everything from plumbing to tiling and painting is usually cheaper because they have lower overheads.

However, this introduces a “single point of failure.” If they fall ill or their van breaks down, your project stops. There is no backup team to step in.

For a detailed look at this risk, read our comparison of a professional team vs. a one-man band.

Another way to reduce costs is through the use of lower quality materials.

Using cheaper adhesives, grouts, and basic pipework fittings reduces the upfront cost, but the trade-off is often longevity. These materials may not stand the test of time, leading to issues down the line.

Furthermore, speed can be prioritised over precision. A job can be done quicker if corners are cut on preparation. This might include skipping the waterproofing (tanking) in a shower area, not setting a waste pipe at the correct fall or taking the quickest route for new pipework by cutting too much out of a structural joist.

This is cheaper now but can be very expensive later. To understand why this matters, check out our guide on what causes bathroom leaks and how they can be prevented.

If you receive a quote that seems too good to be true, it is vital to ask why.

In our experience, a significantly lower price often signals that something is missing from the service.

Low-cost operators often lack the infrastructure to support you if things go wrong. They might not have an office team to answer your calls or a project manager to oversee quality.

They may rush the “unseen” work because you cannot see it once the tiles are on.

Furthermore, some traders quote low to win the job, only to add “unforeseen extras” once work begins.

This can lead to spiralling costs that eventually exceed a fixed-price quote from a premium company. Learn more about what to look for in our article on typical hidden extras that push renovation costs higher.

Where our prices fall (and what you get)

At Thomson Properties, we position ourselves in the middle-to-high bracket.

We are not the cheapest, but we offer a comprehensive, professionally managed service without the restrictive costs of a luxury design firm.

A typical project for us usually costs between £6,500 and £9,500 plus VAT.

This price covers our complete installation service. It includes all skilled labour from our dedicated, multi-skilled team.

It covers all standard installation materials such as adhesives, pipework, timber, and plasterboard.

It also includes all rubbish removal, meaning we handle skips and responsible disposal.

This approach leaves you free to buy your “big ticket” items like kitchen units, bathroom suites, and tiles from any supplier you choose.

We then provide the expert installation and management to bring it all together. If you are unsure which approach suits you, see our breakdown of labour-only vs. all-inclusive quotes.

Objective competitive comparison

To help you visualise where we fit in the market, the table below compares the three main routes you can take for your renovation in Surrey.

Initial cost vs. lifetime value: the “seen and unseen”

When you look at a quote, you are seeing the initial cost. But the true value of a renovation is measured over its lifetime.

We focus heavily on “seen and unseen quality.”

The seen quality is the perfect tiling and neat silicone.

The unseen quality is what happens behind the walls. We take the time to ensure pipework is clipped securely, subfloors are strengthened to prevent tiles cracking, and wet areas are properly waterproofed (tanked).

A cheaper quote often skips these steps.

If a shower leaks into your kitchen ceiling two years down the line because of poor waterproofing, the cost of repair far outweighs the initial saving.

We know from experience that investing in the correct preparation is the only way to ensure your room lasts for years, not just months.

This commitment to quality isn’t just something we say; it is noticed by professionals who know the difference.

Richard Leathem, a solicitor who hired us to construct two bathrooms and a drainage system, offered a perspective that validates our approach entirely.

As someone with professional experience in building disputes and standards of work, his feedback carried significant weight.

He described the job as “perfect” and the staff as “genuinely skilled.”

Crucially, he noted: “If you find they are the most expensive quote, they are well worth it.”

This endorsement from a client who understands the legal and financial fallout of poor workmanship perfectly illustrates why the lowest price is rarely the best value.

Financing, payments, and hidden costs

We believe you should only pay for work that has been done.

That is why we have a transparent payment structure consisting of a booking deposit to secure your dates, weekly interim payments for work completed, and a final balance due only when the job is finished.

We do not ask for 50% upfront like many builders. This keeps the control firmly in your hands.

For more details on what is reasonable, read our guide on fair deposits and payment schedules. All of this is detailed in our Charter Document.

When comparing quotes, it is also vital to look out for what is missing.

Does the cheap quote include rubbish removal, or will you be left with a pile of debris in your driveway?

Does it cover sundries and installation materials like tile adhesive, grout, silicone, and copper pipe, or will you be given another large bill for this at the end of the job? On some projects, these can add up to thousands.

Our quotes cover all standard installation materials.

Does the quote cover proper carpet protection and dust sheets?

We treat your home as a “sanctuary” and include the cost of high-quality protection to ensure we leave your home cleaner than we found it.

For more on our approach to protecting your property, see how we ensure the rest of the home is protected from dust and damage.

Visual examples of project costs

To give you a clearer idea of how budgets work in the real world, here are three scenarios for a kitchen renovation in the Cranleigh area.

Please note these are estimates to help you plan, as every home is unique.

For a more specific look at kitchen costs, see our article on realistic budgets for a full kitchen refurbishment.

Tier 1: The Mid-Range Refurbishment

• Scope: Keeping existing layout, laminate worktops.
• Our installation, including plumbing / electrics, standard installation materials and rubbish removal: ~£5,000 – £8,000 + VAT
• Your Materials: ~£8,000 – £15,000
• Total Estimated Budget: £13,000 – £23,000

Tier 2: The Premium Refurbishment

• Scope: Moving appliances/sink, Quartz worktops.
• Our installation, including plumbing / electrics, standard installation materials and rubbish removal: ~£7,000 – £12,000 + VAT
• Your Materials: ~£12,000 – £20,000
• Total Estimated Budget: £19,000 – £32,000

Tier 3: The High-End Refurbishment

• Scope: Significant layout changes, removing walls, Granite worktops.
• Our installation, including plumbing / electrics, standard installation materials and rubbish removal: ~£9,000 – £15,000 + VAT
• Your Materials: ~£25,000+
• Total Estimated Budget: £34,000+

Pricing FAQs

Do your prices include VAT?

Our labour estimates are usually quoted plus VAT. We always make this clear on the estimate so you know exactly what the total will be.

What about unforeseen costs?

This is a huge worry for homeowners. We have a strict “No Ambush” protocol. If we find a problem (like rotten floorboards) during the rip-out, we stop. We assess it. We give you a fixed price to fix it. We only proceed with significant work if you give us written consent. You are never hit with a surprise bill at the end.

Why do you charge for a skip?

Rubbish removal is a significant cost. We include this in our estimate because we believe in leaving your home spotless. We handle the permits, the delivery, and the exchange, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Is it really worth it?

Is paying a premium for your renovation worth it?

If your priority is the absolute lowest numeric figure on a piece of paper, then probably not. There are plenty of fitters who will undercut us.

However, if you value sleeping soundly knowing your team will turn up every day; if you value walking into a clean house every evening because the team has hoovered right to the front door; if you value the certainty that the plumbing behind your expensive new tiles is bulletproof—then yes, we believe it is worth it.

We offer a three-year labour guarantee because we back our workmanship.

We hire for character and attitude because we want you to feel comfortable with the people in your home.

At the end of the day, a renovation is a major event in your life. We believe that experience should be enjoyable, not something you have to “survive.”

If you are in Cranleigh or the surrounding areas of Surrey and West Sussex and you are ready to invest in a quality renovation with a team you can trust, we would love to hear from you.

We offer a free, no-obligation estimate where we can discuss your vision and provide a transparent, detailed breakdown of the costs.

Call us on 01483 272440 to discuss your project.