Loft extension, two significantly differently quotes. How do I decide which one to go with?

JadeHighland

We live in an outer borough of London in a mid-terraced house. Looking to do a loft extension and got two quotes. Both builders are loft specialist, Guild of Master Builders and a few other accreditations. 

First quote, including VAT, is £57,000. Someone who works for the company lives near our house and I spotted the van. Good online reviews, nice guy who came over and detailed quote via email and also through the post.

Quote 2 to is £42,000, including VAT. Again, good online reviews and they actually did a house across the road from me and that person is happy with the work. 

Both quotes don't include decorations. They'll plumb and fit the bathroom, plaster the wall but if you want the flooring, painting or tiling done then you need to call in your own decorator or hire theirs. 

I'm not gunning for the cheapest quote, but there is a significant different between the prices. Both plans are near identical with the only real difference being quote 1 has an additional window at the front of the house, above where the new stairs will be. 

Anyone tips on making a more objective decision on this. 

ThisIsWeird

Given everything you've said, especially that both are/have worked locally and have good reputations, the answer is a no-brainer.

It leaves an extra dilemma, tho' - what to spend the £15k on?

Doozergirl

Can you help me out with the Guild of Master Builders, please.  Do you mean the Federation of Master Builders, the Guild of Master Craftsmen or something else?  

What have you given those builders to quote from, do you have drawings, a written specification, a bill of quantities for example?  Or are you asking them to specify?  

It sounds like you are on the right path, I'm just asking for a little bit more detail so I can give a better detailed reply.  🙂

bluelad1927

You could always get a 3rd quote and see where that falls

JadeHighland

Doozergirl said:

Can you help me out with the Guild of Master Builders, please.  Do you mean the Federation of Master Builders, the Guild of Master Craftsmen or something else?  

What have you given those builders to quote from, do you have drawings, a written specification, a bill of quantities for example?  Or are you asking them to specify?  

It sounds like you are on the right path, I'm just asking for a little bit more detail so I can give a better detailed reply.  🙂

Thank you for the response. Yeah, got the organisations mixed up a d if is fhr Federation of Master Builders and the Guild of Master Craftsmen. 

The more expensive quote has a detailed "floor plan" like sketch with to the cm measurements. It also breaks down a payment plan. To be fair, I've just realised that the cheaper one is an estimate. List the work to be done etc. but no drawings (he done a brief sketch in person). 

GrubbyGirl_2

How close was you're neighbours work to the estimate?  If it was me I'd get a 3rd quote

littlegreen

When we had ours done we had a rough quote, but it was only after we had the architect round and plans drawn up we got a full breakdown of costs. If you've found 2 you like personally I'd get the plans done and go back to both of them to finalise costs. I'd also probably get a third person round to quote

Albermarle

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