We're in the final stages of planning permission for a large extension (two storey side, single storey rear).
We've had 9 builders round to quote. In general, their quotes are ranging in price from £88k to £125k. They have all worked to the same plans/building regs/specifications, which are quite detailed. They have all called at the house, looked at the project and taken our plans away and the quotes have taken 4-5 weeks to come back.
This evening we had a builder round with his quote. We really like this chap (one of two that comes on recommendation) and he has taken particular care to look at the finer details. He is the only builder who has returned with a plumber and electrician to take a closer look - this evening was his third visit to the house.
Unfortunately, his quote has come in close to £150k, which is way out of our budget. He told us he's been trying to contact brickies and roofers for detailed quotes but been 'getting nowhere' and eventually paid £150 to have a professional estimate service look aat the plans. The estimate seems incorrect to us anyway (£20k for windows - we've had an extension before and we know this is over and above what it needs to be - it also includes some electrics and heating and then this is estimated again as a separate amount later).
We are a bit confused on several levels - we don't understand why he has needed so many other people to contribute to the estimate (fair enough a sparkie and a plumber). Most of all we are confused why he's spent £150 of his own money getting this estimate. Should we now pay him the £150 to make sure he's not left out of pocket? We feel terrible he's paid this - we never once said he was the only builder quoting for the work.
We've had 9 builders round to quote. In general, their quotes are ranging in price from £88k to £125k. They have all worked to the same plans/building regs/specifications, which are quite detailed. They have all called at the house, looked at the project and taken our plans away and the quotes have taken 4-5 weeks to come back.
This evening we had a builder round with his quote. We really like this chap (one of two that comes on recommendation) and he has taken particular care to look at the finer details. He is the only builder who has returned with a plumber and electrician to take a closer look - this evening was his third visit to the house.
Unfortunately, his quote has come in close to £150k, which is way out of our budget. He told us he's been trying to contact brickies and roofers for detailed quotes but been 'getting nowhere' and eventually paid £150 to have a professional estimate service look aat the plans. The estimate seems incorrect to us anyway (£20k for windows - we've had an extension before and we know this is over and above what it needs to be - it also includes some electrics and heating and then this is estimated again as a separate amount later).
We are a bit confused on several levels - we don't understand why he has needed so many other people to contribute to the estimate (fair enough a sparkie and a plumber). Most of all we are confused why he's spent £150 of his own money getting this estimate. Should we now pay him the £150 to make sure he's not left out of pocket? We feel terrible he's paid this - we never once said he was the only builder quoting for the work.
