Hi tradespeople, Patrick here. Before signing, check the company, the details of the work, the warranties, the financial assistance and the work schedule. A detailed quote for the work lets you compare offers and avoid unpleasant surprises. Also take the time to compare the proposed work with your energy audit: a well-prepared project starts with choices that suit the home.
What to do right away
Before making any commitment, ask for the company’s supporting documents, review the work and check the assistance being advertised. For further checks, also see this advice on what to check before signing a quote and on the steps involved in assistance before signing.
- Check the SIRET number, insurance and the RGE certification relevant to the planned work.
- Ask for a breakdown of the work: areas, materials, quantities and expected performance.
- Compare several offers based on the same work, not just the quoted price.
- Review the financial assistance being advertised and confirm the eligibility requirements before signing.
- Note the payment due dates, the project timeline and the warranty terms.
Six checks to make your energy renovation quote safer
A well-presented document is not necessarily complete. Before committing, check that each item addresses a genuine need and that anything promised verbally is also included in writing.
1. Check the company and its insurance
Compare the name, address and SIRET listed on the quote with the company’s official documents. Ask for its insurance certificates and check that its RGE certification matches the type of work planned.
A logo on a document is not enough to prove a qualification. Check the information in an official directory, and do not give your bank or tax details to a salesperson who is pressuring you.
2. Insist on a detailed technical description
For insulation, the quote should specify the areas to be treated, the surface areas, the materials and the expected performance. For a heating system, ask for the equipment specifications, installation details and any additional work required.
One homeowner discovered too late that the area to be insulated had not been clearly specified: the project did not cover the entire intended area. The rule is simple: what isn’t written down is difficult to enforce.
3. Check that the work matches the energy audit
The energy audit helps identify the home’s priorities and put the work in the right order. If the quote proposes a solution that does not address the problems identified, ask for a written explanation before committing.
In many homes, improving insulation before replacing the heating system makes it possible to choose equipment that is better suited to the property. Ventilation must also be taken into account: insulating without planning for air renewal can cause discomfort.
4. Compare offers on an like-for-like basis
Comparing offers is only useful if the companies are quoting for the same work. Check the materials, quantities, site preparation, waste removal and any included or excluded finishing work.
The cost of the work is not just the total amount. A cheaper quote may leave out essential steps or propose different materials. “A well-prepared quote is the foundation of a good renovation”: keep this in mind as you review each line.
5. Confirm the assistance and payment terms
Financial assistance depends on the home, the work and specific criteria. Do not treat an amount quoted by a salesperson as guaranteed until you have checked the rules and procedures through an official channel.
Review the payment due dates and the deposit amount. Be wary of an offer said to be valid only that day or of work claimed to be free without a proper assessment.
6. Clarify the timeline and warranties
The quote should state the expected timeline or the conditions for starting and completing the work. Also ask about the warranty terms, applicable insurance and what to do if the work is defective.
A vague quote should be corrected before signing, not after work has begun. Keep all documents, written correspondence and project-related supporting records.
| What to check | What to ask for | Why it’s useful |
|---|---|---|
| Company | SIRET, contact details, insurance and verifiable RGE certification | Identify the contractor and check their business activity |
| Work | Areas, materials, quantities and expected performance | Avoid omissions and disagreements about the scope |
| Price and payment | Amounts by item, deposit and payment due dates | Understand the cost of the work and manage payments |
| Schedule and warranties | Project timeline, insurance and warranty terms | Know what to expect in the event of a delay or problem |
The three-step method before signing
- Step 1: check the company’s identity, insurance and RGE certification using an independent source.
- Step 2: review the quote alongside the energy audit and ask for written clarification of any unclear or missing item.
- Step 3: compare offers, confirm assistance through an official channel and check the payment terms before signing.
If it’s an older home, start by checking the priorities identified in the audit and its ventilation needs. If it’s a newer home, focus especially on airtightness and loft insulation.
To see what to look for in a quote, this video search can complement your reading before you make an appointment with a professional.
Warning signs that should make you slow down
An unsolicited call, a guarantee of assistance before official approval or a refusal to let you review the quote are all reasons to pause. A reputable professional should be happy for you to check their credentials and compare offers.
Do not give your tax or bank login details to someone who claims they will create your application for you. If in doubt, hang up and find the contact details of the organization or company yourself.
The right decision is not made under pressure: ask for the documents, check them, then call back when you’re ready.
Useful questions to ask before signing a quote
What should I do if the quote is too vague?
Ask for written clarification on the areas, materials, performance, included work and exclusions. Do not sign until the scope is clear.
How can I check the RGE certification?
Ask for the company’s supporting documents and check its name, SIRET and field of work in an official directory. The certification must match the planned work.
Is the assistance advertised by the contractor guaranteed?
No. Check the criteria and procedures through an official channel before treating assistance as confirmed. Do not let a salesperson create an account for you.
Can you cancel a signed quote?
A signed quote generally binds both parties. The right to withdraw depends, among other things, on where and under what conditions it was signed; review the contract and seek advice promptly if you wish to withdraw.
Thanks for reading this far; Patrick