Requesting a quote for a new house: 2026 checklist
Requesting a serious new house quote in Belgium in 2026 is not just about comparing three prices per m². The gap between a poorly prepared house quote request and a structured one can reach 15 to 25% of the final price once amendments are counted. The method rests on three pillars: a detailed client specifications sent to several builders, mandatory items to be priced line by line, and a quote comparison on a homogeneous basis before choosing. This guide sets out the 2026 checklist.
Preparing client specifications before requesting
To obtain truly comparable builder quotes, you must send the same detailed request to each candidate. Client specifications, even summary, make all the difference. Here are the elements to systematically transmit:
- Plans or sketch: habitable surface, number of levels, number of rooms, orientation, roof type.
- Energy aim: targeted EPC level (A standard, Q-ZEN, passive), desired heating type (air-water heat pump, geothermal, biomass), dual-flow or single-flow ventilation.
- Finish level: entry-level catalogue / intermediate standing / high standing, ideally with some references (60×60 porcelain stoneware tiling, multilayer oak parquet, etc.).
- Special equipment desired: home automation, photovoltaic, battery, EV charging, fireplace, alarm.
- Exterior fittings: terrace yes/no + dimensions, drivable access, fencing, garden shed.
- Land: address, cadastral references, G2 soil study available or not, known urbanism constraints.
- Desired schedule: start date, targeted delivery date.
Without this minimum information, each builder prices in their own logic and quotes become incomparable.
Items that must appear in a serious quote
A complete and engaging new house quote contains at least the following sections. The absence or “PM” (memorandum) mention of any one of these items must alert:
- Studies and permits: architect fees, control mission, urbanism taxes.
- Weather-tight shell: foundations, structure, frame, roofing, water-tightness, exterior carpentry with references.
- Second work: partitions, insulation, screeds, technical floors.
- Finishes: floor coverings (with references), paint, interior carpentry, stairs.
- Special techniques: electricity (panel power, number of circuits, lighting points, sockets), plumbing, heating (heat pump, radiators or underfloor), DHW, dual-flow ventilation.
- EPC and tests: EPC study, blower-door, final certificate.
- Utility connections: water, gas, electricity, sewers, telecoms.
- Exterior fittings: terrace, driveway, fencing, surroundings.
- Execution deadlines: start date, delivery date, delay penalties.
- Price conditions: excl. VAT / incl. VAT / revision formula compliant with Article 7 Breyne Law (80% cap).
- Payment conditions: instalments according to progress, compliant with Article 9 Breyne Law.
- Warranties: 5% security deposit, completion guarantee, perfect completion, two-year, ten-year (with Peeters insurance proof).
Case study: 3 quotes compared in Namur
2024 case: family searching, 4-bedroom turnkey house 160 m², EPC A, in Namur. Client specifications sent to 5 builders, 3 responses received.
| Item | Builder A | Builder B | Builder C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction excl. VAT | €298,000 | €311,500 | €325,000 |
| Connections | included | +€9,200 | included |
| Terrace 25 m² + driveway | +€14,800 | included | +€13,500 |
| EPC + studies | included | +€4,600 | included |
| Price revision | compliant | uncapped | compliant |
| Delay penalties | 0.1%/d after 30 d | absent | 0.1%/d after 45 d |
| Comparable total excl. VAT | €312,800 | €325,300 | €338,500 |
Without quote comparison on a homogeneous basis (connections, EPC, terrace integrated), builder A appeared 9% cheaper. Once perimeters aligned, the gap reduces to 2% with B and 8% with C. Builder A was retained, after contract audit. Estimated net saving vs choice B (cheapest at first read but with uncapped revision): ~€14,000 over 18 months of site.
Pitfalls in quote requests
- Comparing an excl. VAT quote and an incl. VAT quote: hidden 21% gap.
- “PM” items: they will be billed as amendments, demand pricing.
- Connections “as per utilities quote”: estimate at €8,000-12,000.
- Too vague specifications: “standard finish” without precision = guaranteed amendments.
- Unpriced integrated kitchen: €15,000 to €30,000 to integrate elsewhere if “outside lot”.
- Deadlines without penalties: a builder without delay penalty easily slips 3 to 6 months.
- Uncapped price revision: the Breyne Law Article 7 caps at 80% of fluctuation. Demand the formula.
- Unverified developer: before any quote, consult the CBE for seniority and balance sheets.
From quote request to signature
A good house quote request triggers a 4-step journey: (1) receipt and sorting of quotes based on the client specifications, (2) alignment of perimeters by asking candidates to price missing items, (3) audit of the retained quote by an independent expert before signing, (4) final negotiation of sensitive clauses (revision, penalties, schedule, common-areas description for apartments).
The pre-signature audit costs €1,200 to €2,500 and allows saving 3 to 8% of the final price on average, through highlighting vague items and renegotiating non-compliant Breyne Law clauses.
Securing your quote file
Request a free quote from the firm Mon Etat Des Lieux for a pre-signature audit of your builder quote. We verify Breyne Law compliance, item completeness, coherence with market ranges and sensitive clauses. See also new house price, house construction cost, new house construction price and our Breyne Law support for the complete file management.