About 1000 Trade and Why It Exists

1. Why did you create 1000 Trade?
We created 1000 Trade as a Community Interest Company after seeing too many home builds and renovations go wrong—not because of bad builders or unrealistic homeowners, but due to unclear costs, poor planning, and systemic pressures in UK construction. Our goal is to give both sides instant clarity with reliable costs, clear scopes, and actionable next steps.

2. What problem is 1000 Trade solving?
In the UK, 50% of renovations overshoot their budgets (Houzz UK, 2022). Builders face wafer-thin margins and cash flow challenges, while homeowners feel trapped when costs spiral. 1000 Trade breaks this cycle by providing smarter, transparent planning tools.

3. Is 1000 Trade just for homeowners?
No. Builders, subcontractors, and even architects use our tools to create professional, accurate quotes, saving time and building trust with clients.

How It Works and Our Data Sources

4. How does your AI quoting system work?
Our AI analyses UK construction data, regional price variations, and project-specific details to generate accurate cost estimates. It also highlights risks and compliance considerations.

5. Where do your cost figures come from?
We use data from the UK Material Price Index, regional labour rates, and insights from live projects to ensure our estimates reflect current market conditions.

6. How often is your data updated?
We regularly refresh our cost databases to account for changes in material prices, labour trends, and supply chain issues so your quotes stay relevant.

7. Do your quotes include VAT and labour costs?
Yes. All estimates include VAT, labour, and material costs, giving you a complete and realistic picture of your project.

Risk Mitigation and Better Planning

8. How does 1000 Trade help avoid budget overruns?
We highlight hidden costs and suggest a contingency allowance of 10 to 15 percent. This helps you plan for unexpected challenges and avoid surprise bills later.

9. Can it prevent project delays?
Yes. Our next-step recommendations flag potential issues like planning approval lead times or seasonal labour shortages, helping projects stay on schedule.

10. Why do so many builders struggle with cash flow?
In the UK, 62 percent of small businesses face late payments and carry an average of £21,400 in unpaid invoices (FSB). Our tools help builders quote more accurately and manage cash flow to reduce these pressures.

Regulations and Compliance

11. Do your tools follow UK building regulations?
Yes. We reference the latest UK Building Regulations, including the 2024 updates to Approved Documents and CDM 2015 standards. This reduces the risk of compliance issues and costly rework.

12. Can you help with listed buildings or heritage projects?
We provide indicative costs but recommend consulting a heritage specialist for detailed planning and compliance with listed building requirements.

13. Does 1000 Trade help avoid disputes between homeowners and builders?
By providing clear, detailed scopes of work and transparent cost breakdowns, we reduce the misunderstandings that often lead to disputes.

Using 1000 Trade

14. Is 1000 Trade really free?
Yes. Our tools are completely free for homeowners and tradespeople. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions.

15. Can I use 1000 Trade for commercial projects?
Currently, our tools are focused on residential projects, but we are exploring solutions for commercial projects in the future.

16. Does 1000 Trade replace a quantity surveyor?
Not entirely. Think of us as a first step, providing a realistic ballpark figure and scope. For complex or large-scale projects, a quantity surveyor adds further detail later.

For Builders and Trades

17. How can builders use 1000 Trade?
Builders use our tools to create accurate, professional quotes quickly, helping them save time, improve client confidence, and avoid underpricing their work.

18. Does it help subcontractors price work?
Yes. Our AI adjusts for trade-specific requirements and regional pricing to help subcontractors create competitive, reliable quotes.

Homeowner Support and Next Steps

19. What happens after I get a quote?
You receive a suggested timeline and clear next steps, such as seeking planning permission or shortlisting contractors, to move your project forward smoothly.

20. Can I trust 1000 Trade’s estimates when choosing a builder?
Yes. Our estimates provide a realistic starting point for discussions with builders and help you avoid underpriced quotes that can lead to problems later.