What to put on your list before asking for a quote

Have a list from your electrician, or still working out what to buy? Write down the products you need, how many you need and any colours or product codes you've already chosen. Add where the project is and when you need the items.

You may hear this called a BOQ, short for bill of quantities. It is a list of products and quantities. If you haven't got one, a simple product list is a useful place to start.

Still choosing? Say so

You don't need to know every product code before speaking to us. If you are still choosing, write "help me choose" beside the item. You can add the colour you prefer and what your electrician has told you.

If you've already chosen a particular product, include its name and code. Keep anything you are only considering separate from the items you have settled on. Your electrician should check that electrical fittings are right for the job.

What belongs on the list?

Use the product-list checklist to check that you've included:

• The product you need, with its name and code if you know them.
• How many you need. Say whether you are counting individual items or packs.
• The room or area the items are for.
• The colour or finish you want. Put different colours on separate lines.
• The project location and how far the work has gone.
• When you need the products.
• Anything you still need help choosing or checking.

Buying for several flats? Make clear whether the numbers are for one flat or all of them. Ask your electrician to confirm the electrical fittings and quantities rather than filling in a number just to finish the list.

A product name helps when you have one

For example, "white light switch" describes what you are looking for. "Click Mode CMA811 in white" identifies a particular product listed on our website.

The code helps you ask about the same item. Your electrician still needs to check whether it is suitable.

If you are comparing options, the switches and sockets comparison is a starting point. Keep the colour beside the code and ask for the full ordering code before you buy.

Keep everyone working from the same list

If you change a product, colour or quantity, update your list and share the latest copy with anyone preparing a quote. If you are using drawings, check that they show the current plan.

Write down when you need the products, but ask the supplier to confirm when they can be supplied. A date on your list is not a confirmed delivery date.

Bring your list to BSC

Bring what you have so far to Builders Stop Center and discuss the product options. Our project-supply page explains how to get started. Ask us what the items cost, whether they're available and when you can get them.

You can also use Request a quote to make a printable brief: a short summary of what you need. The page does not send anything to our sales team or upload your BOQ. Choose "Print quote brief" when you finish, then bring it and your list to a Builders Stop Center office.

Light switch
Mode CMA811

Socket
Mode CMA036