To want a quote not an estimate!?!

[IAmBeyonceAlways]

I have to get some work done in my garden and pay the council for this. The contractors have been around and both given an estimate of the work to be done. I'm not really happy with this, as it is too open ended and I want to know how much before I agree to it.
I have contacted the council and am waiting for a call back tomorrow, but AIBU? Would you be happy with an estimate and not a quote?

Sometimes there are variables which can't be predicted. That's why they estimate. Why are the council doing the work? Do you have to get the council to do it?

the council do it??

To do with a load of rubbish left by previous tenant, so I have to pay for it to be removed. Outside sources have quoted for me, but I thought council contractors would be more reasonable - but I can't compare like for like as quotes and estimates are different things

Why are you paying for it? Do you own the house If not the housing association or landlord should pay surely?

It was a swap, so you take as seen. Unfortunately the previous tenants left it so it's up to me to sort. It wasn't there when I viewed the house obviously, but still my responsibility

Why are you paying for it? Do you own the house If not the housing association or landlord should pay surely?

A lot of HA/council properties are also take as seen. LOL @ their paying for something like this.

I'd go with whoever gave me an actual quote. The council will be using contractors, too, so not necessarily more reasonable.

A precise quote is too unrealistic. Many unforseen issues can arise when working on some things including a garden.

I’m in a housing association property they are excellent fix all repairs collect any rubbish from the estate etc. So for me it wasn’t such a wild idea they sorting it.

Them.