FREE TOOL
Construction quote red flag checker
Mark the problems you found in a construction quote and see the risk level with a detailed explanation. Quick, free, no signup required.
Mark all the problems you found in the quote. Each flag shows the risk level and what to do about it.
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You have not marked any issues yet. Read through the quote carefully and mark any problems you find.
The quote is only the start. What matters is the company behind it. Verify before you sign.
Verify companyIndicative analysis based on good contractual practice. Does not constitute legal advice or replace review of the document by a professional.
WHY IT MATTERS
A clean quote is not enough
Most problematic building situations do not start with an obviously suspicious company. They start with a quote that seemed reasonable, a company that seemed serious, a process that seemed normal. The warning signs were there, they just were not checked.
This tool covers the formal warnings that can be detected in the quote itself: company identification, payment terms, scope, deadline and contract. These are the points where lack of rigour creates legal and financial vulnerabilities for the client.
Each warning includes an explanation of the risk it creates and what to request before accepting. Use the tool as a checklist before signing.
What this tool does not cover
Formal quote warnings are only one layer. The most serious risks (insolvencies, court proceedings, tax debts, the phoenix pattern in directors) are not visible in the quote: they are in official databases. The full ObraXRAY report cross-references 9 sources and surfaces those signals before you sign.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
- Does a quote without these problems mean the company is trustworthy?
- No. A formal and well-structured quote is a good sign, but it says nothing about the company's financial health or track record. The most serious risks (insolvencies, tax debts, directors with a history of failed companies) do not appear in the quote. They are in the official databases that ObraXRAY cross-references.
- Can a company refuse to include its NIF in the quote?
- No, not legally. In Portugal, any invoice or commercial document issued by a company must include its NIF. A quote without a NIF is not a valid commercial document. If the company refuses, treat it as a serious warning sign.
- Which works require an IMPIC licence?
- Construction, reconstruction, extension, alteration, conservation or demolition of properties, carried out on behalf of third parties for payment, require IMPIC authorisation. There are exceptions for minor repairs and low-value maintenance. If in doubt, require the licence and verify it.
- What is a reasonable maximum upfront payment?
- There is no legal maximum for works between individuals and companies. The prudent practice is to keep the deposit below 15 to 20%, enough to reserve the schedule and cover initial materials. Above 30% is a warning; above 50% is high risk. Use the payment plan tool to structure instalments safely.
- Can I use this tool for a small renovation quote?
- Yes. Some points carry less weight for small jobs (such as the IMPIC licence, which may not be mandatory for low-value repairs), but most apply: NIF in the quote, payment to the company account, detailed scope and written contract matter for any building works.
- What should I do if the quote has several critical warnings?
- The best option is to request a new quote, either from the same company addressing the flagged points, or from a different company. If you proceed with the same company, fix all critical points in the contract before signing, and verify the company's background before any payment.
A clean quote is only the start. The company behind it is what matters.
Run a full check before signing: insolvencies, court cases, debts, licences and director history in seconds.
Verify Company