When you first see memorial quotes, it is easy to feel unsure what you are really paying for. A memorial is a long term tribute, so it helps to know what should be included, what might be extra, and how to compare prices fairly without simply choosing the cheapest figure.
In Lincolnshire and the surrounding area, memorial quotes usually cover several parts of the job, from the stone itself through to safe fixing and local permit fees. Once you understand those parts, it becomes much clearer which quotes are like for like, and which ones may be missing important items such as fixing or aftercare.
Why memorial quote questions come up
Most families only arrange a headstone or memorial once, so the language, rules and costs are unfamiliar. It’s common to have two or three quotes that look very different on paper, even when they are for a similar memorial.
On top of this, cemeteries and churchyards in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire have their own rules and fees, which can affect the final price. A clear quote should take those into account and show you, in plain terms, what’s included and what’s not.
Key Parts of a Memorial Quote
Almost every complete memorial quote will cover these main items. If any are missing or unclear, it is worth asking for more detail.
The stone and its finish
The stone is the visible memorial, such as a headstone, kerb set, plaque, heart or vase, in a particular material, size and finish. A clear quote will state:
- The material, for example granite, marble or sandstone.
- The size and shape.
- The finish, such as polished or honed.
- Any base or foundation pieces included.
When comparing, check that the material and size are genuinely similar. A smaller, thinner memorial in a lower cost stone will always be cheaper than a larger, thicker one in a premium granite, so price alone is not the full story.
Design work and artwork
Many families want some design on the memorial, whether that is a border, a cross, flowers, a book shape or a more personal motif. At Lincolnshire Memorials, in house artists and engravers can create traditional or modern designs to suit your wishes.
Look for:
- Whether design work is included or charged separately.
- How many design changes are included.
- Any extra cost for hand carved or painted artwork.
If one quote includes full design support and another only covers very basic layout, you are not comparing like for like.
Inscription and lettering
The inscription is where you set out your loved one’s name, dates and any chosen wording. Quotes usually handle this in one of three ways:
- A fixed number of letters included.
- A price per letter.
- A price per extra line beyond a set layout.
Check:
- How many letters and lines you have in mind now.
- Whether the allowance in each quote will cover that.
- The cost of extra letters or lines if you go over.
If you may add a second name later, ask how that would be handled and what a typical cost would be, so you can plan ahead.
Fixing to BS 8415 and safe installation
Safe fixing is essential. It involves a proper foundation and an approved anchoring system that meets recognised standards, such as BS 8415. Lincolnshire Memorials is BRAMM accredited and uses Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers methods for safe installation.
On each quote, check:
- That fixing and installation are included.
- That work will be carried out to BS 8415 or an equivalent standard.
- That qualified fixers will carry out the work.
A very low price that excludes fixing, or does not mention standards at all, is unlikely to be a fair comparison to a quote that covers complete, safe installation.
Cemetery or churchyard permit fees
Most cemeteries and churchyards charge a permit fee to approve and record the memorial. The mason will usually prepare drawings and paperwork, then apply on your behalf.
These fees might be:
- Included within the quote.
- Listed separately as council, church, or permit fees.
Always ask:
- Whether the figure you see includes the current permit fee.
- Who is responsible for submitting the paperwork.
A quote that leaves permit fees out completely will look cheaper at first glance, but that difference disappears once the real costs are added.
Photos and extra details
Ceramic photos, etched portraits and special designs often have their own cost, based on size and technique. When comparing:
- Check whether any photo or portrait is included, and if fitting is covered.
- Ask for a clear price if the quote only says “photo extra”.
This avoids surprises later on, especially if a photo is important to your family.
Future additions and aftercare
Good quotes also explain how future work will be handled, such as adding a second name, re-gilding faded letters, or cleaning and restoring the stone in years to come.
Lincolnshire Memorials provides grave restoration, cleaning and additional inscriptions on existing stones. Even if you are not ready to commit to future work, a guide price for common tasks can help you feel more confident about long term costs.
Comparing quotes fairly and spotting warning signs
Once you know the main parts of a quote, you can compare them more easily and see where the real differences lie.
Simple checklist for like for like quotes
You can use a short checklist for each quote:
- Stone type, size and finish.
- Design work included or extra.
- Inscription allowance and cost of extra letters.
- Fixing to BS 8415 included or not.
- Cemetery or churchyard fees included or separate.
- Any photos or special artwork and their cost.
- Guide price for adding names or cleaning later.
If one quote is missing several of these items, then it is not a true like for like comparison.
Questions to ask before choosing
You might ask each mason:
- Does this price include everything needed to supply and safely install the memorial?
- Is fixing to BS 8415 included, using qualified fixers?
- Are local council or churchyard fees included, and will you handle the paperwork?
- How many letters and design changes are included before extra charges apply?
A careful, qualified mason will answer these calmly and clearly.
Signs a very cheap quote may cut corners
Lower prices are not always a problem, but you should be cautious if:
- There is no clear mention of fixing, standards or qualifications.
- Material, size and finish are described vaguely.
- Permit fees or aftercare are not mentioned at all.
In some cases, very low prices reflect cheaper, thinner stones or minimal foundations, which can lead to safety issues or extra costs later on. It is usually better to pay a fair price for work that is safe, durable and properly supported.
How Lincolnshire Memorials can help
Lincolnshire Memorials is a fully qualified, insured memorial mason serving families across Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire. The team provides bespoke headstones, lawn memorials, kerb sets, children’s memorials, vases and plaques, as well as grave restoration and additional inscriptions.
Quotes are set out clearly, with safe fixing to recognised standards and with BRAMM accreditation and Register of Qualified Memorial Fixers approval reflected in the way memorials are installed. Families are guided through suitable designs for local cemeteries and churchyards, supported with any necessary paperwork, and encouraged to ask as many questions as they need.
If you would like to talk through quotes you already have, or you would like a clear, complete price for a new memorial, Lincolnshire Memorials is here to help at your own pace.
Common questions about memorial quotes
How can I tell if a memorial quote is truly like for like?
Start by checking that each quote covers the same things, such as the stone type and size, inscription, design work, safe fixing, and any cemetery or churchyard fees. If one quote leaves out fixing or permits, you are not comparing the same job, so ask for those details in writing before making a decision.
What should always be included in a headstone quote?
A clear quote should set out the stone material and size, the inscription allowance, any design or artwork, and safe installation to recognised standards such as BS 8415. It should also explain whether cemetery or churchyard permit fees are included, and mention any extra costs for photos, added lines, or future inscriptions.
Why do some memorial quotes seem much cheaper than others?
Very low prices can sometimes mean a thinner or smaller stone, limited lettering, or no safe fixing or permit fees included. It can also indicate that unqualified fixers are being used, so always ask how the memorial will be installed and whether everything needed is covered in the total.
Are council or churchyard permit fees usually included in the price?
Some memorial masons include these fees within the main quote, while others list them separately or expect you to pay them direct. It is sensible to ask who will handle the paperwork, what the current fee is, and whether it is already built into the price you have been given.
How are lettering and extra lines normally charged on a memorial?
Many quotes include a set number of letters or lines, then charge extra per letter or per additional line beyond that allowance. When you compare prices, check how many letters you need now, what the cost would be if you go over, and whether there is space and a clear price for adding another name in future.
What does fixing to BS 8415 mean in practical terms?
Fixing to BS 8415 means the memorial is installed using a proper foundation and an approved anchoring system that meets current British safety standards. It helps to keep the headstone stable and safe over time, which protects both your loved one’s memorial and anyone visiting the grave.
Can I add a photo or extra design later if I am not ready now?
In many cases you can add a ceramic photo, etched portrait, or extra design at a later date, although this will involve an additional cost. If you are unsure, ask your memorial mason how easy it is to add those items in future, and whether that might affect how the stone is laid out now.
