An inspection-led quote should explain what evidence supports the proposal, which areas are included, what each visit is for, what preparation is required and which uncertainties could change the work. Compare those assumptions before comparing headline figures.
Give enough information for a real scope
Provide the exact rooms or outside areas, dates, frequency, specimen or clear photographs, property type and access limits. Mention children, pets, vulnerable occupants, food use, earlier products and repairs. If identification is uncertain, ask whether the first price covers inspection only or assumes a particular pest.
One clue can lead to very different work. Noise in a ceiling might involve an accessible kitchen void, a shared riser or a roof space needing separate access. A photograph of one insect cannot establish how many rooms need attention. A responsible quote should state what remains unknown.
Compare the same components
Look for inspection, treatment areas, method, number and purpose of visits, follow-up, proofing, waste handling, access equipment, VAT status, cancellation terms and any guarantee actually offered. Ask whether proofing is specified work or an allowance subject to another trade.
Preparation has a cost in time and access. A quote that assumes the resident will move heavy furniture is different from one that includes suitable help. Likewise, a low figure that excludes neighbouring flats, roof access or a return visit cannot be compared directly with a broader scope.
Do not accept “complete treatment” without asking what complete means. Request written exclusions: concealed voids, inaccessible rooms, structural repairs, wildlife licences, specialist cleaning or appliance movement. Those boundaries protect both parties from an assumed promise.
Ask how change will be handled
The quote should explain what happens if identification changes, more areas show evidence or access fails. Is further work separately authorised? Who reports and approves it? What evidence closes the job? A guarantee, if offered, should be read with its conditions rather than inferred from the number of visits.
This guide does not state The City Pest Company’s prices, response times or guarantees because those business facts are not verified for publication here. Call 0203 393 2338 for a current assessed quote and use the prices page only as current service context.
FAQs
Can I get an exact price from one photograph?
Sometimes a provider can give an initial scope, but access, extent and identification may remain unresolved.
Is the cheapest quote the best comparison?
Compare included areas, visits, preparation, exclusions and terms before judging value.
Should proofing be itemised?
Yes. Ask for locations, responsible trade, material or performance requirement where known, and verification.
