Flexibility on quotes in the 'downturn'

amcluesent

I had a quote for conservatory maybe 12 months back.

I read that the building trade is in some distress now.

Just wondering what percentage reduction can be negotiated if it's true that work is getting hard to come by?

East Mids BTW.

madeane

Let's hope not, after all tradesmen have to survive the downturn and pay the inflated prices too. You should aim to pay a fair price for a job well done, otherwise you may find that people start to cut corners with the work and services offered to you.

plumb1_2

The price of materials has gained 15%+ in over 12 mths. esp plastics and glass.Plus labour, fuel costs.
My advice is that if you want a cheap job, you will get a cheap product, and corners will be cut.

ukwoody

The trade is slowing down a bit certainly, but as pointed out the costs have risen dramatically - as have wages. You may end up paying more now then last year. If you want a good job done, good men are generally fairly busy and have no need to really lower their prices. If someone comes in really cheap they are cutting corners.

Woody

phill99

I'm paying another £25 - £30 / week to run just one van in fuel alone than I was at the start of the year. Plus because of the fuel scandal all of my material costs have gone up - timber. paint, tiles etc. Not just by 1 or 2% but by 5 and 10%. Because my sub contractors costs have gone up for the same reason, they are now charging more. I defy any builder to accept less this year than they did last year. Despite rising prices, I have work booked through to July. I've never sold myself on prices - any fool can do that. I sell myself on professionalism, reliability and high standards. Pay peanuts and you get monkeys. Or pay cheap and you will pay twice.

phill99

And additionally, If a customer offered me less on a job that was quoted 12 months ago, I would, in no uncertain terms, tell him where to insert his quote.

nelly_2

Fair days pay for a fair days work is a good mantra for both parties to follow I reckon.