Extension

Loki_northern_light

Hi all, after a bit of advice here. We are planning on getting an extension done in January (Enlarging existing attic conversion and a 3x6 metre single floor extension to the rear).
Quote has come in around £70,000 from two builders (Third was way over).
So,
Does that sound reasonable?
My preferred choice isn't/hasn't supplied quote in writing and seems unwilling to do so.
I'm starting to think this is a deal breaker? Is that fair?
Thanks!

TELLIT01

You are seriously considering taking on a builder for a £70k contract when they won't provide anything in writing?  Of course it should be a deal breaker.

Loki_northern_light

Well I'm not. I'm asking if anyone knows any reasons why he's avoiding giving me one.
Example could be Covid restrictions, looming Brexit affecting prices of timber, bricks, mortar etc. 

Doozergirl

Loki_northern_light said:

Well I'm not. I'm asking if anyone knows any reasons why he's avoiding giving me one.
Example could be Covid restrictions, looming Brexit affecting prices of timber, bricks, mortar etc. 

He probably hates doing it.  Some people aren't paperwork people.  

I am a paperwork person but, my god, do I hate quoting.  

stuart45

I'm not a paperwork person, mainly work on an hourly rate these days. My wife slates for not doing any paperwork, even for not writing down my hours when I get home. But for a 70 grand job I think even I would expect someone to want something in writing from me. I would of thought that nowadays anyone doing work for that kind of money would be used to a bit of paperwork.

Loki_northern_light

Ok. Consensus seems to be he needs to provide it no matter how much he hates paperwork. There's no reason why he would be holding off until closer to the time as mentioned earlier?

Jeepers_Creepers

A detailed quote is a painful and time-consuming thing to produce, so perhaps he's testing the water to see if he's given you an acceptable figure before he goes to that effort?

What did he work from - do you have detailed plans? If so, his quote doesn't have to be so detailed, just ensure it includes enough detail for you to know what you'll end up with. I suppose one way to ask at this stage is, "What doesn't your quote include before I can move in?!" If he replies "It's everything - except painting and floor covering, but I can quote for these too if you like..." then you'll have a good idea of how to compare his quote with others.

Should you decide to take his quote further, then you do get every detail nailed down - new soakaway required? Drains moved? Pathways? Wiring and lights. Plumbing and rads etc etc etc.

Loki_northern_light

Jeepers_Creepers said:

A detailed quote is a painful and time-consuming thing to produce, so perhaps he's testing the water to see if he's given you an acceptable figure before he goes to that effort?

What did he work from - do you have detailed plans? If so, his quote doesn't have to be so detailed, just ensure it includes enough detail for you to know what you'll end up with. I suppose one way to ask at this stage is, "What doesn't your quote include before I can move in?!" If he replies "It's everything - except painting and floor covering, but I can quote for these too if you like..." then you'll have a good idea of how to compare his quote with others.

Should you decide to take his quote further, then you do get every detail nailed down - new soakaway required? Drains moved? Pathways? Wiring and lights. Plumbing and rads etc etc etc.

Ok cool. Sound advice Jeepers, I'll ask for a detailed breakdown. I did say I was going to give him the work so I can't commit any more than that really. So I'm still puzzled why he's not putting it in writing. Needless to say, I won't allow work to commence without anything in writing. Thanks. 

ComicGeek

We've had tenders back for an extension starting in January - we had a full set of drawings and specifications and a schedule of works that they all priced against. 2 of the 4 tenderers didn't want to provide detail so withdrew.

As there are always materials cost increases in January, we have agreed labour costs but with material costs to be reviewed again once known next year. I don't think you'll get anyone to commit to materials costs next year yet, too many unknowns. Lack of availability of materials also pushes up prices.