Getting builders quotes prior to exchange.

paulr70

Hi All,

We`re in the process of buying a house thats vacant and needs some modernisation. We`ve had survey done and mortgage offer as well as local searches done. We would really like to get some quotes off builders this week for the work we`d like doing so they can start asap but the estate agent is asking us to wait until exchange.
I can understand them not wanting to waste their time waiting in the house whilst I talk to builders if the purchase collapses but does it sound reasonable to push them to allow us to visit the house considering its empty?

Thanks

hazyjo

I bought an empty house up with absolutely vile estate agents. I wanted to take a builder round but they basically said no. They also wouldn't take me seriously as a buyer. I did end up getting it, and in the end thought well I'm going to do the kitchen and change the back of the house anyway, so just buy the bloody thing and worry about it later.


I have put several people off using them since so they've lost out on business. I had to block their number and would only deal with them by email. Horrendous. I came off the phone in tears once.


At the end of the day, it depends on what needs doing and whether you're prepared to take that risk.


Jx

paulr70

Thanks. Ideally we`d like quotes and drawings done asap so we can book in builders soon because from the couple i`ve contacted theyre looking at 3-4 months before we can book them in and of course they wont touch anything until we have at least completed on the purchase.
I`ve emailed our solicitors anyway to see when exchange may take place. Just frustrating that could use this time to get some idea of costs involved.

AdrianC

Is it reasonable? Not really.
Is there anything that requires them to be "reasonable"? No.

Do you know it's the EA, rather than the vendor, who's restricting your access here?

How far off exchange are you?
Would it help to go round and view the outside of the property with the builder, peering in windows?

paulr70

AdrianC wrote: »

Is it reasonable? Not really.
Is there anything that requires them to be "reasonable"? No.

Do you know it's the EA, rather than the vendor, who's restricting your access here?

How far off exchange are you?
Would it help to go round and view the outside of the property with the builder, peering in windows?

Well i thought they should have some consideration for both vender and purchaser in these situations. They had allowed us to get one builder round before we put in an offer on the house. But the cost involved was too much , although within our budget would leave us with little savings. so have had a change of plan for the building work so are wanting to get someone else round to quote.
Unfortunately the work would all be at the back of the house.

AdrianC

paulr70 wrote: »

Well i thought they should have some consideration for both vender and purchaser in these situations.

Why? They work for the vendor, and the vendor alone. Unless they think you might be about to pull out, their job is done now.

Unfortunately the work would all be at the back of the house.

Is there no access to the back?

davidmcn

Are the builders happy to spend time giving you a quote for a property which you don't own and might never own?

somethingcorporate

Unless it's related to remedial work from the survey I would probably tell you to jog on until exchange otherwise you could be wasting a lot of people's time.

Is a few weeks of waiting going to make a huge amount of difference to you?

GDB2222

paulr70 wrote: »

Hi All,

We`re in the process of buying a house thats vacant and needs some modernisation. We`ve had survey done and mortgage offer as well as local searches done. We would really like to get some quotes off builders this week for the work we`d like doing so they can start asap but the estate agent is asking us to wait until exchange.
I can understand them not wanting to waste their time waiting in the house whilst I talk to builders if the purchase collapses but does it sound reasonable to push them to allow us to visit the house considering its empty?

Thanks

This has nothing to do with the EA's wasted time. From their point of view:

• They have a sale in sight.
• NOTHING must be allowed to stand in the way of that and their getting their commission.
• If you take a couple of builders round for quotes, you might get a shock about the cost of the building work. Then you might back out of the purchase.
• So, avoid that possibility by denying you access. Simple!

saajan_12

The EAs have little interest in speeding up your renovation time and frankly it is unreasonable to expect to use / access the property for reasons other than to decide whether to buy until it is yours.

You could suggest the builders quotes were a sticking point in your decision (i.e. you need confirmation the works will be affordable else you won't purchase) and you might find the EAs more amenable if they believe you..

paulr70

AdrianC wrote: »

Why? They work for the vendor, and the vendor alone. Unless they think you might be about to pull out, their job is done now.

Is there no access to the back?

So its not in their interest to help with a sale of a property? think they have both parties in their interest not just the vendor.

Only access is via a gate which is locked.