What to look for when getting quotes?

marlasinger

We have a couple of builders coming around to give us a quote on some brick work. Having never done this before (asked builders for quotes), I'm just wondering what to look for in a prospective builder?

Should we get all quotes in writing, even if they are from little one-man-bands? Should we ask for details about work they have done previously, even if it's only a little job they are coming to do?

I'm a bit worried about looking silly by not asking the right questions, or asking the wrong ones.

Thanks.

KateLiana27

From my limited experience:

Always get quotes in writing.

Get several quotes for any major job.

Get people referred from friends/family/work colleagues, who have used them and are happy with the outcome, if at all possible.

Check they are registered with any relevant bodies.

A personal one that may be controversial: don't trust anyone who will give you a discount for cash, knocking off the VAT. Go with someone who keeps everything strictly above board.

What to look for: Did they turn up on time to give you a quote? Did they treat you and your property with respect? Did you feel that they answered questions honestly? Did you feel that they were giving you an honest price or trying to get what they could from you? Trust your gut instinct.

phill99

Depends on what you mean by 'a little job'.

If its a days work or less, many tradesmen will not be interested in giving you a written quote - its not worth there while to spend time on their PC if its for a days work or less. Also, if you start asking for reference and to see examples of work and its only a small job, they may not be interested. Its too much hassle to for just a few pounds worth of work.

Why don't you explain what work you need doing and see if we could give you a best guess on price here, so that you can have a ball park figue.

iamcornholio

If this is just brickwork, then all you need is for the quotes to be comparable ie they all quote for the same dimensions, same work content and same material type etc. This is so that you can compare like for like and different prices don't reflect different work content or materials - or if they do you can see where and why.

Get the quote in writing and make sure that it says quote and nowhere does it say estimate

Depending on how involved this brickwork is, you may want things itemised - but not really essential for a straight-forward job

You would want to know time scales, and lead time (ie when can they start).

Quotes should be all-inclusive and a fixed price - ie you don't want any claims for extra work or things which they had not allowed for. But in your initial chat with them, just ask if they foresee any problems or likely additional work, and if they do then tell them that you want the cost of this either included in the quote or itemised separately.

You can ask if they have done similar work before, but they are not going to say "no" are they? But ask the question and you may get more than a standard "yes" and it will give you some idea a to whether you prefer one over the other

Also ask them if any regulations are involved - eg planning permission, building regulations or party wall issues. This will give you an idea of their overall knowledge

marlasinger

Thanks for all the replies.

I don't think it's a major job, but my hubby does. Our brick wall has been damaged by last winter's frost - both the render which has cracked, and some bricks which are crumbling.

We want to get the old bricks torn down and a new wall built in it's place. It will be the width of our property (just a small bungalow, so not massive - probably 5 metres wide?), plus both walls lining the steps up to the front door (again about another 6 metres for each wall). We don't want it rendered. I can't even begin to guess what this will cost. £1K?? £2K??

A lot of builders seem to talk only about the big jobs they have done - extensions, and conversions etc, which is why I'm thinking it will be a small job for them.

Hopefully, as it should be reasonably straightforward with the dimensions being fixed, it should be easier to compare quotes.

baldelectrician

I would get 2-3 quotes, it doesn't matter early on if these are written

Once you decide who to go for tell them you want everything firmed up in writing

Google them- google their phone number, post code business name address

Another item is to ask if they are VAT registered (you don't have to be and I'm not- but I'm only a 1 man band). If they are VAT registered make sure the vat number is on the quote and check it at HMRC website

You can check the court website for ccj's etc

KateLiana27

marlasinger wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.

I don't think it's a major job, but my hubby does. Our brick wall has been damaged by last winter's frost - both the render which has cracked, and some bricks which are crumbling.

We want to get the old bricks torn down and a new wall built in it's place. It will be the width of our property (just a small bungalow, so not massive - probably 5 metres wide?), plus both walls lining the steps up to the front door (again about another 6 metres for each wall). We don't want it rendered. I can't even begin to guess what this will cost. £1K?? £2K??

A lot of builders seem to talk only about the big jobs they have done - extensions, and conversions etc, which is why I'm thinking it will be a small job for them.

Hopefully, as it should be reasonably straightforward with the dimensions being fixed, it should be easier to compare quotes.

That's a major job! If it went wrong, it could affect the value of your home. "Minor" jobs would be replacing inside doors, removing built-in cupboards, that sort of thing. Though actually I'd always get written quotes for those to, unless I had used the tradesperson many times before and completely trusted them.

Agree that the initial estimates can be verbal but before you commit to starting work, get it in writing.

DVardysShadow

A tip for a small job with a verbal quote you would like to accept. Accept the verbal quote in writing, mentioning the amount. Keep a copy.

Although in this case, I agree, it is a big enough job to expect a written quote.

marlasinger

Thanks for the replies.

We've had three builders out last week to look at it, but have only had one quote back. What is a reasonable time to expect a written quote? If I haven't heard back within a week is it safe to assume they aren't interested, or am I just expecting too much?

paye

marlasinger wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

We've had three builders out last week to look at it, but have only had one quote back. What is a reasonable time to expect a written quote? If I haven't heard back within a week is it safe to assume they aren't interested, or am I just expecting too much?

Keep chasing them for a quote you will get it in the end. Trust me I do this day in day out. One way to reduce the cost is to buy the materials direct ask the builder to give you a list of things couple days before they start and buy everything for them.So you will only pay for the labour. Don't forget to negotiate with them their first quote is not always necessary their best price.If your going to provide the materials , One way to find out if your not getting ripped off is by dividing the price by the amount of days to complete the job. If it over say £150-60 a day for one man then he having a laugh. Roughly what's the size of the area you want laid?