Daydream thread continues.....

lostinrates

Itismehonest wrote: »

I'm surprised the architect seems to have taken against you having accounts. If I'm totally frank, I'd be wondering what was in it for the architect for you not to do your own buying.

You can cross check prices fairly easily, Rozee, particularly in these days of company websites.

You also have accounts with several companies &, when you want something, you ring them to give you a price (a delivered price for larger items but both delivered & collected prices for anything smaller).
Then you compare prices.

With the economy the way it is (we've done some of our conversions & building work during previous recessions) you go back & say "Well, Company A has quoted £xxx. Can you beat it?"

You'd be surprised how often they can If a company doesn't come up with what you think is a reasonable offer then they don't get the business. Simples.

When you are having a fairly large job done they soon learn it's in their interest to give you a decent price if they want your business. :cool:

You also ask your builder what he can get it for first before ringing round. You will soon work out whether, & if so what, he might be able to get cheaper on his account than you get can on yours. If his quotes keep coming in dearer than you can get it yourself then you know they either don't have the best credit history with the supplier or they are trying to make a bit on the side :rotfl:

Our architect feels the same as rozee's. Our tender package is itemised, no room for 'creativity' on the part of builders. Our architect says without faile the things he has done in almost the last decade come out better value if all in for the builders and not to consider day rate!

One of the advantages for us, with a breakdown into phases, is that the first phase is a large spotty....the makeral is yet to come....its no mistake we have shown builders the future phasing too with this in mind!

Itismehonest

The 1st phase is usually itemised. We got 2 or 3 quotes on everything listed from different builder's merchants - just gave them all a copy of the same list. We still beat them down on several of the items.
Some things, of course, they have to buy in. They will then add their cut & charge you transport both to & from their depot. In those instances, if they wouldn't come down on, say, transport costs, I used to pick up the phone to the company supplying the material & ask if it was possible for a direct sale & delivery.
Bearing in mind we have limited access for large lorries it was still surprising how many times a big manufacturer would deliver direct for a better price if you pay pro-forma.

Many trades & professions have an "I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine". "I'll recommend you if you put more business (or sometimes a quick back-hander of cash) my way". The end user is the one who ends up paying the extra to cover. As alfie said they use "artistic licence".
So, it always pays to be cynical about any recommendation unless it's from someone who really has no interest in who gets your business at all.

Even things like the machinery hired. You'll work out when is the best time to hire so that you get 'free' days.

rozeepozee

I will be copying and pasting your advice, guys. Thanks!

The architect isn't saying don't have an account, sorry I don't think I made that clear as I typed in haste before bedtime. He said make sure that your 20% discount isn't on an made-up/inflated list price. To check, get quotes for the job lot of materials from 3 different merchants and make sure that all buying is planned in advance.

lostinrates

Itismehonest wrote: »

The 1st phase is usually itemised. We got 2 or 3 quotes on everything listed from different builder's merchants - just gave them all a copy of the same list. We still beat them down on several of the items.
Some things, of course, they have to buy in. They will then add their cut & charge you transport both to & from their depot. In those instances, if they wouldn't come down on, say, transport costs, I used to pick up the phone to the company supplying the material & ask if it was possible for a direct sale & delivery.
Bearing in mind we have limited access for large lorries it was still surprising how many times a big manufacturer would deliver direct for a better price if you pay pro-forma.

Many trades & professions have an "I'll scratch your back if you'll scratch mine". "I'll recommend you if you put more business (or sometimes a quick back-hander of cash) my way". The end user is the one who ends up paying the extra to cover. As alfie said they use "artistic licence".
So, it always pays to be cynical about any recommendation unless it's from someone who really has no interest in who gets your business at all.

Even things like the machinery hired. You'll work out when is the best time to hire so that you get 'free' days.

Everything of ours will be itemised. It was the architects rule from day one, all the way through.

Rozee's situation is different, but my architect is not local, and first asked us to research local builders. There was one he introduced that he is used to working with in london but came from near yeovil, but they went bust.

lostinrates

rozeepozee wrote: »

I will be copying and pasting your advice, guys. Thanks!

The architect isn't saying don't have an account, sorry I don't think I made that clear as I typed in haste before bedtime. He said make sure that your 20% discount isn't on an made-up/inflated list price. To check, get quotes for the job lot of materials from 3 different merchants and make sure that all buying is planned in advance.

My parents moved west in the late nineties, i still remember the second incomers price list. People were wuite open about it.

COOLTRIKERCHICK

Sorry I was too Pooped to post last night, A VERY long weekend, but well worth it financially, Hard work,,, My feet felt as though they belonged to someone else....

And the nice thing was come 5 past 9 on saturday,,, people were looking for us:beer: so they could get the first dabs on the blankets and the material etc... didnt take any crafted stuff this year, and a woman who had bought a make-up bag off me last year came with orders from her workmates:eek: so I will try and make one or two a week,

Rhiwie can you pm me your addy and no

rhiwfield

COOLTRIKERCHICK wrote: »

Sorry I was too Pooped to post last night, A VERY long weekend, but well worth it financially, Hard work,,, My feet felt as though they belonged to someone else....

And the nice thing was come 5 past 9 on saturday,,, people were looking for us:beer: so they could get the first dabs on the blankets and the material etc... didnt take any crafted stuff this year, and a woman who had bought a make-up bag off me last year came with orders from her workmates:eek: so I will try and make one or two a week,

Rhiwie can you pm me your addy and no

Glad it went well, Pmd you just now

lostinrates

Alfies garden is wonderful, something interesting to look at whereever you eye falls.


Today we have been up to armpits in nettles that took over the south facing holding bed. Not much else remaind, mainly a few roses.

Davesnave

Sorry about the Olympic flame.:o

Slipped into Lidl's in Torrington to get some choccy ice cream and some person in a wheelchair came past looking like they were on fire.....I tell you, anyone could have made the same mistake. :cool:

No, I'm fibbing, but I definitely do have a few tomatoes forming.

COOLTRIKERCHICK

Davesnave wrote: »

I definitely do have a few tomatoes forming.

Sounds painfull:D:rotfl:

I :kisses3: mr & mrs Rhiwie...

Rhiwfield....I cant thank you enough for this afternoon....I really do appreciate your time and your knowledge....

Right be back laters, food has just arrived:D