Having trouble obtaining quotes for extension

Princess_Serendip

Hi

I've been having problems obtaining quotes for my single story double width extension (4m x 7.5m) for my 1930s detached property. It will be under permitted development so no planning permission is required.

We exchanged contracts early August, and by then we had a architectural designer draw up a couple of design options. We chose one and this was sent off for tendering by our designer 23rd of July. We got one response and they came around to see mid August. I haven't received a quote from them to this day. This is nearly a month passed.

Frustrated by the lack of interest from my designer's contacts, I also personally contacted a local builder who came around one day, but the moment he saw the drawing, he said, "I can't possibly give you an accurate quote on this; it's too basic." He also told me I needed to sort out the building regulation first. He is a reputable builder in town so this really got me thinking.

Should I have asked for a more detailed drawing in the first place? Do many builders not like quoting from a initial drawing? Do they prefer the 'working drawing'? I also went on Mybuilder website and put an ad there. I only got one response, but this builder is happy to do the work using the 'basic drawing' and gave me a quote which is within my budget. So I suppose it depends on the builder, maybe.

Now that I finally got one interest, my designer says to me, "I can prepare a more accurate drawing so that the builder can give you a more accurate quote." I can't help wondering why he couldn't have prepared a more accurate drawing in the first place. That way, I may have been able to attract more interest.

I am not sure if it is a good idea to give the job to the first builder who came along and gave me a quote. Any advice to attract more interest?

Thank you in advance for your comments.

Clive_Woody

To be fair to the builders they can only quote based on the information that you are giving them. We are almost at the end of having our single height 4 x 5m extension built. First thing we did was get detailed drawings from an architect (family friends doing mates rates), we also needed an engineer to do some calculations for foundations, roof structure and widening of the existing opening.

When we had all this we approached local recommended builders for quotes. Some never got back to us which was frustrating, some required a degree of chasing to get a quote back and others were very quick to come back with a quote. Apparently with last winter being very wet for a long time a lot of building work was put on hold so they are playing catch up and are very busy at the moment. The guy we are using is booked up until middle of next year.

I would suggest having a look at your local council's website to see if they have guidance on the whole process. Checking that permitted development rights haven't been removed, getting building regs approved, etc

Procrastinator333

You are going to need plans which detail building regs at some point - e.g when it is built. So just get them now as it will mean your quotes are all comparable. If not, you will find one assumes a timber of x size, the other of y size.

teneighty

I would fully endorse what the two previous posters said.


I am rather confused what drawings your designer has actually produced. If the project is within permitted development I assume they have not even produced Planning Drawings just preliminary sketches? As stated above most people get quotes once they have the more detailed Building Regulations drawings but given your experience so far I wonder if your designer is up to the task.


Regarding quotes, all the best small builders are very busy and usually have work lined up at least 6-9 months in advance. If you send them detailed plans it both gives them far more certainty what they are actually pricing but also shows a level of commitment by you that the project is serious and not just a vague pipe dream.


As for the "Mybuilder" quote. I'm sure they would be delighted to do the work, and no doubt find lots of expensive extras when they start getting into the finer construction details.

Clive_Woody

Yeah, good point in the post above. Get as much detail in the quote as possible (i.e. by giving the builder very detailed plans) - this avoids the builder dropping a load of extras on you and the costs rocketing up once work starts by claiming he never knew you wanted/needed x, y and z.

Princess_Serendip

Dear all of you who have responded to my question:

Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions. Yes, teneighty, it turns out to be a preliminary sketch that my designer produced. So naive of me to think that it was a proper building plan....How embarassing...

With your comments and suggestions, I feel I can plan more confidently how to move forward from here. Also I will tread carefully how I deal with builders so that I don't blow my budget. I will start from checking out the local council website tomorrow.

I will post how I get on with my building project.

Thanks again!