Quote for single storey extension

kimfmc

Hi

We are in the process of getting quotes for a single storey extension. We have drawn up a letter to accompany the drawings so builders know what we require on the quote after they visit us. We asked for the quote to be split between jobs. We have a manhole to be moved and also a conservatory to be dismantled. We also asked for a split between labour and materials. First builder came yesterday and provided an email a few hours later with about 6 lines and a total. I've gone back to him and requested the additional information as requested and he has said they don't split quotes they base on past jobs and experiences!! Our foundations have to be piled and I can't see how he can base a job on past experiences. Especially as he doesn't know how far the piles need to go.

Am I just being picky? or am I right to think that my request isn't something out of the ordinary?

The extension will be 2.4 mtr by 5.3mtr with a bi-fold door. flat ceiling and peaked roof. Any advise or other peoples quotes for a similar size appreciated.

Many thanks

Doozergirl

No matter how hard one tries, building is an art, not a science. And builders much prefer to build than estimate and quote. You can ask for what you want. If they don't provide it, you can choose not to use them. They can also choose not to take on clients that ask for something they don't provide.

I paid for expensive estimating software but my husband was always far more accurate at gut estimating actual costs. We don't use it anymore. We sit down together and do exactly what your guy does - compare to previous jobs. There are swings and roundabouts; some things cost more than expected, some things cost less but it seems to work out in the end.

I won't give people a materials and labour split. It's irrelevant. We provide materials and don't work any other way. I don't even ask my subbies for their labour/materials split until I pay them.

The materials cost of moving a manhole will be really quite low. Building plastics are cheap. The labour to dig is expensive. Ditto removing a conservatory. That's labour and skips.

Labour is the main cost for us, it far outweighs materials.

Doozergirl

Having said all of that, I would take more than six hours and any piling would be a PC sum.

How much was the quote for?

kimfmc

£30k


Had another builder round earlier. He said will take longer for a quote whilst he speaks with build regs re foundations. Be nice to have another quote to compare.

Furts

If you had produced a Bill Of Quantities you would have been entitled to have this priced. If you had produced an itemised specification relevant to your works then likewise. But to ask for the breakdowns sounds strange to me.

From the builders perspective it is also worrying. Wanting everything broken down sends signals about viability, is the money available, what is the mindset of the client, is the work going to be stop, start, and so on.

Piling is specialised work, with design, and supervision, and warranties. I would have thought you would have this arranged as a separate contract, or let out to a groundworks company for piling, beams floor and drainage. Then you hand over to your builder. (Your builders may not feel confidant dealing with the piling themselves,n or getting a sub contractor in.)