Builders Quotes - Is this correct

[J4MES99]

Hi,

Looking for some advice, we have been tendering for our extension and have received 3 quotes. The first two were much higher than expected but came with a cost breakdown for each area i.e. windows, carpentry, steel works etc

The third quote who is our preferred builder and the most professional so far has just arrived. The only difference in the quotes is that he has not provided a breakdown of costs, he has listed the works and given a contract but there is only a total cost and no individual breakdown. Is this ok?

My worry would be that we get further into the project and something changes with the windows for example and we have no reference point to base any increase costs on. We have never extended before so it would be good to know what we should ask for.

We just want a comparison. For example one quote has allowed £7000 to fit the sanitary ware to the en-suite which seemed really high so in that instance we could do that separately.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[Terrywookfit]

Does that include wall and floor tiling and supplying sanitary and brasswear ?
What is the breakdown... How big is it.

 

[J4MES99]

Does that include wall and floor tiling and supplying sanitary and brasswear ?
What is the breakdown... How big is it.

No tiling, just fitting a shower enclosure, basin and toilet. The room is 1.3m x 3m. Does not include any fittings at all.

 

[Terrywookfit]

He is taking the Pi$$ Ask him for a breakdown.

How much were the itemised quotes in comparison ?

 

[J4MES99]

He is taking the Pi$$ Ask him for a breakdown.

How much were the itemised quotes in comparison ?

This was one of the itemised quotes so we don't have a figure from our preferred builder at present, we also thought it was a ridiculous price. I assume they didn't want the job.

We just want to know if it is reasonable to be asking for a proper breakdown of costs? We like the builder and want to go ahead but also want some transparency on window costs, tiling etc

 

[Mobo_14]

I don’t break down quotes to every item.

I break it into 3 parts, materials, labour and hire costs skips etc....that’s it.

if the customer wants the work done they will be happy enough with that

 

[Terrywookfit]

Did you supply a "Bill of Quantities" from the Architect ?

Without a detailed contract of "what and what is not included" and labour cost. Things can get out of hand.

 

[J4MES99]

I don’t break down quotes to every item.

I break it into 3 parts, materials, labour and hire costs skips etc....that’s it.

if the customer wants the work done they will be happy enough with that

Yes that sounds reasonable, we haven't got any breakdown. For instance we may want nicer windows when the build starts if we have saved more cash by then but we don't know how much the current ones are so in certain areas it would be handy to know what the budget is, equally they have an allowance for internal lightweight doors but no figure so i don't know what doors i can choose or if the ones we like would be within this allowance. I think it's best for me to call him and have a chat. We want the work done and are not being unreasonable.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What are they basing their quotes on?

 

[Terrywookfit]

Yes that sounds reasonable, we haven't got any breakdown. For instance we may want nicer windows when the build starts if we have saved more cash by then but we don't know how much the current ones are so in certain areas it would be handy to know what the budget is, equally they have an allowance for internal lightweight doors but no figure so i don't know what doors i can choose or if the ones we like would be within this allowance. I think it's best for me to call him and have a chat. We want the work done and are not being unreasonable.

Ask him about the 7 grand for labour for a second fix en suite,

Ask him if it's a typing error and should read £ 700.00

 

[^woody^]

..... our preferred builder and the most professional ..... he has not provided a breakdown of costs,

How do you work out he's the most professional if he's not submitted a professional quote? And why is he the preferred - how have you assessed preference?

You need to have itemised prices for everything, else how do you know how to adjust costs when things are added or removed during the build? You also need to know hour or day rates for the same reason.

 

[J4MES99]

How do you work out he's the most professional if he's not submitted a professional quote? And why is he the preferred - how have you assessed preference?

You need to have itemised prices for everything, else how do you know how to adjust costs when things are added or removed during the build? You also need to know hour or day rates for the same reason.

For the following reasons... He was on time, polite, seemed to have a lot of knowledge and pointed out things others had not, made suggestions that made sense, took quite a bit of time to go through everything, kept in touch, waited for the full building regs before giving his quote (others had quoted without seeing them) and he has good reviews and photos of previous works. Overall we had a great feeling about the firm and felt comfortable we could work together, did not feel that way about any of the others.

I was however, expecting a breakdown of costs for the exact reason you state above, if things change along the way we don't have any way of knowing how to adjust the cost.

 

[J4MES99]

What are they basing their quotes on?

They have based on building regulation plans, structural engineers pack, planning drawings, a lighting and electrical plan we created listing everything we would like. Plus we have sent a spec by room doc specifying finish, flooring, radiators etc. Also sent exact spec of each window and external door we would like.

I think we have provided everything we can unless there's somthing else.

 

[J4MES99]

Did you supply a "Bill of Quantities" from the Architect ?

Without a detailed contract of "what and what is not included" and labour cost. Things can get out of hand.

No bill of quantities, just the building regulation drawings, structural calcs etc and specification for everything we would like. If we have sent via email and the quote states includes everything as per drawings / documents isn't that enough?

 

[Mobo_14]

How do you work out he's the most professional if he's not submitted a professional quote? And why is he the preferred - how have you assessed preference?

You need to have itemised prices for everything, else how do you know how to adjust costs when things are added or removed during the build? You also need to know hour or day rates for the same reason.

Nah not for hourly or day rate either I have that worked out for myself and if it comes in under the timescale you price for your up slightly and if it comes in over that’s your mistake as a professional. The price is the price.

unless you come across a major snag in the build. Then you have to go back and talk with the customer.

don’t see the need to put a price for every single item I’m buying that’s my business. ​