Is this a fair quote for a porch build?

GDB2222

I hesitate to suggest getting an architect in for such a small job, and I wait to be shot down in flames!

It has some advantages. For example, the architect provides detailed drawings and specs, so the builders are all quoting for the same job. The job will go out to tender to competing firms, so the overall cost could be lower.  

dllive

Ive just spoken to the builder again. He is a very nice chap, obviously well experienced and skilled. So at least I know that side of things is sorted. (Ive had experience with shoddy buidlers before).

He's brought the cost down to £24k, but he said thats more by virtue of him removing items from the quote rather than reducing anything on the items hes already quoted for.

So basically, he's removed the decoration aspect (tiling the floor and painting) which was £1.4k (does that sound fair for tiling/paintig a 6.5 square metre porch?) and a couple of other bits which brings it down to £24k.

I suppose theres some complicating bits, such as fixing any blown render that will fall off when they key-in the new roofline etc. IE: its not quote as simple as adding a white cube to a new build house (the house is stone/cob with lime render).

Perhaps Im trying to talk myself into it.

WIAWSNB

dllive said:

@WIAWSNB . The other two quotes were very different to each other: 1 was fully bulleted; the other one was literally a few paragraphs! I just dont understand why they cant supply an actual itemised quote with a price next to each!! Even if its just ball park. Then at least I know whats costing what!!! Obviously, theres a reason why they dont do this!

@WIAWSNB all your feedback are good points well made. If you ever find yourself in the South West and want a bit of cash-in-hand give me a shout!

Ha-ha, I'm in the South West! But, I'm the slowest worker you could possibly imagine, with a ton to do at my own place

dllive

WIAWSNB said:

Ha-ha, I'm in the South West! But, I'm the slowest worker you could possibly imagine, with a ton to do at my own place

 🤣 Thats too bad. 😅

stuart45

What part of the South West are you?

dllive

stuart45 said:

What part of the South West are you?

8 miles from Exeter

Section62

dllive said:

@WIAWSNB . The other two quotes were very different to each other: 1 was fully bulleted; the other one was literally a few paragraphs! I just dont understand why they cant supply an actual itemised quote with a price next to each!! Even if its just ball park. Then at least I know whats costing what!!! Obviously, theres a reason why they dont do this!
...

One of the risks with a fully itemised quote is the client then decides to pick only those parts they want to pay for, and says they'll DIY the rest.  Or if there's  change of plan during the job will expect a price reduction based exactly on the figures given in the quote.

From the trader's perspective that doesn't work very well, since some of their costs and profit will be spread over parts of the job the client no longer wants then the trader would really want to re-price everything to reflect the fact the job is now smaller overall.

Unless you want to pick and choose which parts of the quote you want the builder to do, and you'll do the rest, then the grand total should be enough.  If you do want to pick and choose then make sure the builder is aware of this before you reach agreement with them.

As I think I said in your original thread, having the end of the porch abutting the chimney makes it a tricker build, and personally it wouldn't be a job I'd be happy taking on as I'd not be confident you won't get a damp problem internally.  There needs to be a lot of attention to detail where the porch joins to the chimney, particularly at roof level.

WIAWSNB

Section62 said:

dllive said:

@WIAWSNB . The other two quotes were very different to each other: 1 was fully bulleted; the other one was literally a few paragraphs! I just dont understand why they cant supply an actual itemised quote with a price next to each!! Even if its just ball park. Then at least I know whats costing what!!! Obviously, theres a reason why they dont do this!
...

As I think I said in your original thread, having the end of the porch abutting the chimney makes it a tricker build, and personally it wouldn't be a job I'd be happy taking on as I'd not be confident you won't get a damp problem internally.  There needs to be a lot of attention to detail where the porch joins to the chimney, particularly at roof level.

Another reason to go for the 'green' design
I'd stop the porch roof a half-inch from the stack - no flashing, nothing. That wall should be unaffected.
The only flashing required would be the straight horizontal where the new roof meets the house wall, as straightforward as can be.

Section62

WIAWSNB said:

Section62 said:

dllive said:

@WIAWSNB . The other two quotes were very different to each other: 1 was fully bulleted; the other one was literally a few paragraphs! I just dont understand why they cant supply an actual itemised quote with a price next to each!! Even if its just ball park. Then at least I know whats costing what!!! Obviously, theres a reason why they dont do this!
...

As I think I said in your original thread, having the end of the porch abutting the chimney makes it a tricker build, and personally it wouldn't be a job I'd be happy taking on as I'd not be confident you won't get a damp problem internally.  There needs to be a lot of attention to detail where the porch joins to the chimney, particularly at roof level.

Another reason to go for the 'green' design
I'd stop the porch roof a half-inch from the stack - no flashing, nothing. That wall should be unaffected.
The only flashing required would be the straight horizontal where the new roof meets the house wall, as straightforward as can be.

..so the tiles on the shoulder of the chimney will then feed water and debris down into your half-inch gap.

WIAWSNB

Section62 said:

..so the tiles on the shoulder of the chimney will then feed water and debris down into your half-inch gap.

?

The chimney shoulder which slopes forwards, and where all the rainwater and debris would also be directed, just as it currently is?

I don't understand.