Getting quotes for work before making an offer

the_insider

We are finally in a position to start seriously house hunting as we accepted an offer on our current property yesterday. We've been to see a few houses today and there's one we really like.
While it doesn't 'need' any major work and we could live with it as it is, we'd ideally like to knock the kitchen and dining room together in the not too distant future as the kitchen is tiny and not really suitable for a family in the long run.
Would it be acceptable to get a builder to visit the house and give us a quote for the work before we've made an offer? Depending on how much the work would cost we are in a position to move quickly, we've got a cash buyer and the property we're looking at was re-listed this week after the sale fell through. The vendor was so desperate for us to view she let us in and then dashed off to an appointment and left us in the house to lock up and everything, it was all a bit odd really!

It's right at the top of our budget so we wouldn't be comfortable even making an offer if we couldn't afford the building work so we'd really like to know. Has anyone got quotes on a house they may not buy?

bathwiggle

When i went to see my house i was being pushed for an offer by the agents.

I insisted on getting a roofers quote before i put an offer in, and although the agent complained the owners weren't fussed. i did have to pay £80 to the roofer, which was taken off the quote when i got him to complete the work

Kynthia

It's usually the etiquette to have an offer accepted before bringing round trades people for work quotes, especially for elected/non essential works. However you can always ask, especially if you haven't already been round a few times.

the_insider

Thanks guys, I guess it can't hurt to ask! I'll see what the agent says on Monday.

ess0two

Are you expecting to reduce the offer based on the work quote??


It maybe doubtful a lower will be accepted on a functioning property,that is not to your current tastes.

the_insider

ess0two wrote: »

Are you expecting to reduce the offer based on the work quote??


It maybe doubtful a lower will be accepted on a functioning property,that is not to your current tastes.

We wouldn't be reducing the offer based on the cost of the work because it's not essential but it will be what we base the decision to offer on. There are similar properties for a bit more that are closer to what we want.