Can't even get a quote?

ceewash

Please move if this is in wrong place.
We have had plans drawn up for garage conversion and small extension. Planing permission and building regs awarded. Had 3 builders round to give quotes, all talked a good talk and we were happy with all 3. But all 3 have failed to send us a quote so as yet have no real idea of cost. Sent out 2 polite reminders but despite having replies saying they are on with it, its been about 4 weeks now. So decided to start again and the first reply, although sounds very credible, has asked for a £500 + vat payment for the quote which will be refunded if we get them to do the build. What is people's opinion of this? And is it notoriously hard to get quotes from builders?

Stenwold

I'm having similar issues trying to get a quote for a garage/kitchen refurbishment. The plans are drawn up and I've contacted roughly 20 builders, 3 of which have visited and only one has provided a quote.

There's absolutely no way I would pay for a quote, even with the promise of a refund if they take on the work. What's to stop them doing 10 quotes a week, and pricing themselves out of each one so they never have to do any work?

My hope was that the vast majority of the work could be completed over summer, however that's now changed so I just want it done before Christmas. 

ceewash

Yes your situation sounds similar. Not doing the building profession's reputation much good. I don't know why they can't be up front with customers. I've started again with another 2 contacts so fingers crossed. Yes you're right about paying for quotes but I appreciate there can be quite a bit of work involved.

Doozergirl

ceewash said:

Yes your situation sounds similar. Not doing the building profession's reputation much good. I don't know why they can't be up front with customers. I've started again with another 2 contacts so fingers crossed. Yes you're right about paying for quotes but I appreciate there can be quite a bit of work involved.

There is a lot of work and no one enjoys doing it.   A lot of builders feel that they are purely used for comparisons or to provide a level of detail that people don't want to pay someone else for, and so there is quite a lot of talk about charging for quotations within the FMB membership.  

There are firms paying quantity surveyors considerable sums of money to produce accurate pricing and not winning work.   Most builders will talk ballparks with you before quoting so you can establish an idea.  Sensible ones will ask your own budget.  

If you spend time talking and really working out if you'd like to work with people, the investment in creating a relationship may pay off. 

£500 might be a lot but it may not be, depending on the size of the work.  

What about paying a QS yourselves?   You'll understand where the price should be and can approach builders with a good level of detail. 

ceewash

We have declined the quote now but I realise to be accurate it takes time but that is part of the work they do surely. And it usually is for comparison so the best price can be chosen. I think the problem seems to be they all have enough work atm but then they should just say that. Paying a QS does not move us any closer to finding a builder.

greenface2

ceewash said:

We have declined the quote now but I realise to be accurate it takes time but that is part of the work they do surely. And it usually is for comparison so the best price can be chosen. I think the problem seems to be they all have enough work atm but then they should just say that. Paying a QS does not move us any closer to finding a builder.

It would do as you have the paperwork and plans . that you own yourself . they can price from that and they cannot include that in their format of when quoting or doing the work . I often tell my customer to get their own building paperwork themselves for extensions and large knock outs . All the steels are down on paper and measurements are drawn out to quote to . I have just priced for a summerhouse in a regular customers garden ( just the windows and doors) customer says she already has the floor plan and openings . took me no time to quote the work . Even saved me a 80 mile round trip 

[Deleted User]

 Not a chance I'd pay for a quote. It is a nightmare trying to get them though. Been  in contact with 6 builders to get quotes for a garage conversion and only one bothered to reply, he came out Saturday. But will still need other quotes! 

Niv

I have had this problem for years. Some on this site in particular bang on about getting 3 quotes before doing anything but its virtually impossible / could take months and months to get that many returns. I have been fortunate that I have now made contact with a general builder specializing in old buildings so he can pretty much turn his hand to anything. If the job isn't for him he directs me to a someone he trusts. Appreciate this doesn't help the OP but just sharing some of the pain.

ceewash

I've now contacted a builder who did an extension for me about 20yrs ago, didn't know he was still working as he doesn't advertise. He has said he will give a quote but isn't available until next April 2022. At least that is honest. So I've asked for a quote. I might be prepared to wait as they were excellent.  Fingers crossed. Never imagined this would be such a problem.

2020sombre

ceewash said:

Yes your situation sounds similar. Not doing the building profession's reputation much good. I don't know why they can't be up front with customers. I've started again with another 2 contacts so fingers crossed. Yes you're right about paying for quotes but I appreciate there can be quite a bit of work involved.

as bad as it is that majority of tradespeople it seems have no idea how to give good impressions - I have had to wait weeks for a quote only to be told 'we do not take on small jobs' but we would charge £xyzzy which begs the question

Why on earth come out and measure if not remotely interested in doing the job in the first place 

ceewash

Yes we've now tried a few more with no responses. How long are the planning permission and building regs valid for? Might shelve it now until next year.