can a builder be too cheap?

brians_daughter

Thanks all for your comments - yes, it is true we cant afford the other quotes without taking out a loan, but we planned to borrow money to get the job done. The money we have saved is our savings so we didnt expect it to cover the work anyway.

Hes actually been back round with the extension info he completed on his own house (we live back to back so exact same house and same extension) and it all does seem to add up.

My dad is a surveyor and has put doubts in my mind as to 'why so cheap'. The builder has basically said the price stands for a few weeks, he starts a big project mid march so wants the work to tide him over the next few weeks...so i need to make a decision quickly (planning is already granted)
Thanks all

latecomer

Look on the bright side - fi you hire him and he doesn't finish the work you can lob bricks at his extension from your garden

There is also the fact that if he's trying to build a local reputation then he wont want to mess up a project next door.

pinkteapot

Just one thing - if he's a friend, will you feel comfortable telling him if you're not happy with something and want it fixing or re-doing?

It's something to bear in mind when using relatives/friends. My brother is a plumber and redid our bathrooms. We gave him a detailed snagging list when he was finished. I didn't mind doing that but would have been less bothered about it with someone I had no personal relationship with.

Innys

pinkteapot wrote: »

Just one thing - if he's a friend, will you feel comfortable telling him if you're not happy with something and want it fixing or re-doing?

It's something to bear in mind when using relatives/friends. My brother is a plumber and redid our bathrooms. We gave him a detailed snagging list when he was finished. I didn't mind doing that but would have been less bothered about it with someone I had no personal relationship with.

Very good point.

Financial transactions with friends/family are rarely a good idea. If (when) something goes wrong, resolving it without harming the relationship can be quite difficult.