Do new build customers benefit from the developer's relationship with subcontractors?

neilio

I purchased a new build house by Berkeley nearly two years ago and my kitchen is by Leicht, just like all the other properties on the development. I recently decided I wanted a glass splashback installed, and there is a Leicht showroom near where I live so I went to look for ideas and speak to the staff about options. When I mentioned my new house and Leicht kitchen, they asked which development I lived on, they were familiar with it, and they told me contact a separate branch of their company called Leicht Contracts because they are the team that installed the kitchens and will know dimensions from the property plot number.

I contacted Leicht Contracts who sent a subcontractor to my home to measure my wall. I asked the glass contractor directly if it would be cheaper if I went to his company directly rather than through Leicht and he said it would be significantly cheaper. So I waited for the quote from Leicht before contacting the glass company directly for their quote. Surprisingly, the glass company’s quote was 25% more expensive than Leicht’s quote. Leicht confirmed their quote includes installation and everything else, just in case there were additional costs not mentioned.

Interestingly, Leicht Contract’s address on the quote and invoice is the same address as Berkeley’s regional office. I am obviously dealing with the same department directly that Berkeley has its contract with for my house and the development. Am I therefore benefiting from preferential discount or trade rates as a result of that relationship between Berkeley and Leicht? Is this standard in the industry for new build homeowners to benefit from the developer’s subcontractors if going to them directly to make additions to the house?

EssexExile

Have you tried a quote from someone unconnected with Leicht or Berkeley? That would give you an idea whether any relationship is to your advantage or theirs.

Furts

You have the glass company quote, and this has incurred cost on their behalf. Your duty as a decent minded person is to notify them and thank them for their time in supplying the quote. When doing this you ask if they are honouring the quote or wish to lower it. You let them know, diplomatically, that they are way too high at the moment. The quote may come down, it may be negotiable, they may have thought you an ideal person for a "try on". They may also have "cosy" relationships with Leicht - only you will guess by probing here



All this is normal, every day, courtesy and commerce. Nothing new here, so please accept my apologies if you come back saying I am stating the obvious!

tonyh66

Berkeley/Leicht has probably got a stockpile of stuff which is paid for but not used, possibly why they are cheaper.