What to ask/look out for when getting extension quotes?

boots_babe

Hi,

Sorry if this is a basic question, but we've never had any big work like this done before and haven't much clue. We've had planning permission approved for a single storey extension above our garage.

We want to get at least 3 quotes, and have our first builder coming round tomorrow. What sort of things should we check / ask him? We do know we want someone who can project manage it as we have no idea, so guess this will cost more.

Also vaguely aware about the option of a fixed price quote, which we prefer the idea of. What are the rules around this? Could we ask for 2 quotes, one which is fixed price, one which isn't?

I guess we need to ensure we get any quote in writing. But are there any specific things we should look for in our builder, or clarify with him when he visits tomorrow?

Many thanks.

GT60

What ever happens GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING and dont be afraid of asking questions all the time and if you go in FMB's web site there is tons of info and you can download a contract too.
Dont do what we did and ignore it all.

http://www.fmb.org.uk/

Niall

boots_babe

Thanks for that Niall, I will have a look on there now, just the sort of info I need.

boots_babe

So I take it that any builder we take on, we need to check they are registered with the FMB then? Or are there similar bodies?

boots_babe

Right, so reading through the FMB info, my main checklist of things to ask/check are:

Standard of finish e.g. fully plastered throughout, or fully decorated, etc etc
Payment plan - what % deposit and how are remaining payments structured
Check FMB membership
Recommendations from preveious customers with examples
Get everything in writing
What does quote include e.g. includes all materials, or just labour, removal of rubbish, etc?
Ask explicity what is NOT included.

Estimated length of job?
Would he be able to do extension first, whilst leaving current bathroom intact so we don't lose a bathroom?
What about Building Regs?
Likely to need a new boiler?

Anything important missing from this? That site is very useful indeed, a lot of the above sounds fair obvious but I'd never have thought of them, having no experience.

Is it ok to be asking all these questions right away, when he comes for an initial look tomorrow? Or should we wait until he sends a quote in the post?

GT60

I suppose you coulsd ask the questions at the start and if they are any good they will answer or just wait for the quotes to come in.
Phone the FMB in the morning and ask them to be sure.
Also the fmb is just a back up but good builders are not always in the fmb as it cost money.
One thing to remeber though if they it does not matter what the van looks like eg scruffy or nice cos your not sleeping with them so to say just there to work on your house and the van could mean they have not got time to buy new or put their money in the tools they use.
I was told this a long time ago and how true it is some jerk turned up to do a quote for us in a brand new Jag... and crap references and the old van builder had good ref's.
Quotes quotes and ore quotes and follow up all references!!!
Niall

fluffymuffy

boots_babe wrote: »

What about Building Regs?

Have you got Building Regulations Approval based on drawings? Or will the builder be using a Building Notice. It's easier to pin down a quote based on construction drawings.

boots_babe

fluffymuffy wrote: »

Have you got Building Regulations Approval based on drawings? Or will the builder be using a Building Notice. It's easier to pin down a quote based on construction drawings.

So far, we've only got as far as planning permission approved. We know we need to do something for building regs, but didn't know the details and needed to find out what was required of us.

Having now spoken to the builder, he's said we'll need to get more detailed plans drawn up for the purposes of building regs, and that he can deal with that for us. Happy with the impression we got from him and his answers, so now just need to wait for the actual quote. Plus need to get a couple more builders round to look at well.

Thanks for the advice on here, the FMB link was really useful, just the sort of thing I was after.

latecomer

I would also make sure you retain a set percentage of the total until after the work is finished - to ensure all snagging is completed.

we are in the middle of an extension at the moment and although we had a pretty good idea of what we were doing we've made a lot of mistakes, things I would definitely do differently next time.

boots_babe

latecomer wrote: »

I would also make sure you retain a set percentage of the total until after the work is finished - to ensure all snagging is completed.

we are in the middle of an extension at the moment and although we had a pretty good idea of what we were doing we've made a lot of mistakes, things I would definitely do differently next time.

Thank you, that is a very good point. The builder that came today requires no deposit, and payments made in 5 stages as the work progresses. But now you've made the point, I think it would definitely be a good idea to withhold at least some until we've had time to inspect the final work.

Thank you.

latecomer

And no matter what do not deviate from the payment schedule. Make sure all changes are agreed in advance and in writing (details and price) so there are no surprises.