Time to complete a job?

m_penn76

I had a building company round last night to provide a estimate/quote for some internal structural works including new cloakroom and fitting a new kitchen, they will project manage the job as well and they have all the trades in house. Nice guy and said all the right things until the amount of time it would take to do the works. I’ve listed the works below (not in very much detail) but he’s said it will take about two months to complete, this seemed a very long time to me, but I may just be naive.

Is two months fair for this amount of work?

I’m now dreading the amount that it’s going to cost, if I’m so out on the length of time it will take, my estimates are probably well under too!

• Remove and dispose of old kitchen and flooring throughout area (35sqm)
• Remove and dispose of two radiators
• Remove French doors and window in external cavity wall (single storey extension), insert RSJ to SE spec, make good and replace with bi fold doors (speparate company to supply and fit).
• Build stud partition wall for new cloakroom, associated electrics and plumbing
• Remove internal french doors, central pier and 1.5m of single skin brick dividing wall to create open plan space, insert RSJ to SE spec, make good.
• Extend kitchen and provide electrics and plumbing for new layout (plumbing to be moved by two metres, new ring main for electrics and new gas connection for hob)
• Plasterboard ceiling in kitchen and backroom and skim – insert 20 downlighters
• Skim walls in kitchen and any other areas to make good
• Lay new flooring including underfloor heating (carbon film most likely)
• Install kitchen and two built in cupboards
• I’ve asked for a quote for all the decorating as well, although I will more than likely do this myself.

Regards,

Matt

1984ReturnsForReal_2

How long do you expect it to take?

m_penn76

For the building works to get it to a finished plaster state (i.e, RSJ,s electrics and plumbing) - Two weeks
Kitchen Installation - one week
Flooring and final electrical fit - 3 days

I was thinking one month in total, without the decoration. Is this unreasonable?

1984ReturnsForReal_2

Its probably about 6 weeks but he has added on 2 so you don't get your expectations up as things rarely go to plan.


But someone who knows better than me can comment.

There are things here that should not be done with other trades about.

iamcornholio

Never underestimate the time that refurb and alteration work will take - a good builder wont. It's not like a factory production line where everything just happens like clockwork ... and its certainly not as simple looking as bullet points

Eight weeks may mean six weeks in reality, and you'll be happy. You wont be as happy if four weeks turns into six weeks

MX5huggy

Is the building going to be occupied while the works continue, tidying up every night takes time.On the other hand 8 weeks does seem a little long if he has a team. One man band 8 weeks seems about right.