And Why It Matters More Than Most People RealiseConfused about provisional sums in your building quote? Learn what they really mean, how they affect your budget, and how Hycon Homes minimises surprises with clear, upfront selections.
If you’ve ever looked through a building quote and come across the term “Provisional Sum,” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions people ask – and one of the biggest sources of confusion when comparing builders.
Put simply, a provisional sum is an estimate for an item that isn’t fully decided yet.
Not a fixed cost.
Not a final number.
Just a guess.
And that guess can make a big difference to your final price.
Why Provisional Sums Can Be a Red Flag
Provisional sums are meant to fill in the gaps when a decision hasn’t been made yet. But too many of them can be a sign that a builder hasn’t finalised key details – or worse, is trying to make a quote appear cheaper than it really is.
Here’s where the risk comes in:
The allowance might be lower than the actual cost
The final price may increase unexpectedly
It becomes harder to compare quotes accurately
You may end up having to make rushed decisions later
In other words, provisional sums create uncertainty – and uncertainty creates stress.
A good builder will keep them to a minimum.
What a Transparent Quote Should Do
You should have a clear understanding of:
✔ What the provisional sum covers
Not just a vague label – a clear explanation.
✔ Why it’s provisional
Is a selection still pending? Is engineering not yet complete?
✔ Whether the amount is realistic
It should reflect your style, not the cheapest option available.
✔ How and when it will be finalised
So you know exactly what’s left to decide.
How Hycon Homes Reduces Provisional Sums (and Your Stress)
We believe clarity creates confidence – especially when it comes to budgeting.
That’s why we work hard to minimise provisional sums from day one.
1. Early Selections Before Contract
The more choices finalised upfront, the fewer surprises later.
2. Clear Explanations of Anything Provisional
If something can’t be finalised yet, we tell you why – and what could affect the final cost.
3. Realistic, Honest Allowances
We avoid lowball figures that create false expectations.
4. Everything Documented in Your Client Portal
Every update, selection, and conversation stored safely in one place.
5. A Transparent Approach That Protects Your Budget
Our goal is simple:
No surprises. No stress. No hidden costs.
Provisional Sums Don’t Need to Be Complicated
With the right builder, provisional sums become rare – and clearly explained when they appear.
That clarity gives you more control over your budget and more confidence in your build.
Next in the Series…
Next, we explore a question everyone building a home wants answered:
“When Will My House Be Finished?”
And how to choose a builder who gives you a clear, reliable timeline.
Ready to Start Planning?
Download our helpful guide:
👉 Smart Budgeting for Your Dream Home
https://tinyurl.com/Smart-Budgeting
Or explore future-friendly home inspiration:
👉 Discover the Tread Lightly Design Range
https://tinyurl.com/Design-Range
