How do we manage the cost of the builder

[WelshMammy123]

Hi,

Hoping for some advice!

We're due to start a loft conversion and extension in around 10 days time. The builder has today said he needs to charge us an additional 5% on top of the existing quote for the loft as the cost of materials has increased. To be fair he did quote months ago for us but we've checked recently whether the quote he gave us was still the one he intended to work to, and he confirmed it was.

So my question is how, assuming we continue with this firm, we ensure the costs don't spiral and whether this sort of action by building firms is typical? We can of course go back out to speak to alternative firms but we're literally days off starting so am a little reluctant to start the process again. At the same time I don't want to engage a cowboy to do this work for us.

Any advice or guidance? Thanks.

[Pradaqueen]

I'd put in writing to him confirmation that the 'new' price is the one you are expecting to pay. In addition confirm that you are not able to pay for an 'incidentals ' as 50% of your contingency has just been eaten up (contingency is usually 10%). Therefore ANY deviation MUST be agreed by you before any financial commitment is made by him or you will not consider yourself liable. If you have a partner, agree which one of you will liaise with him so he doesn't circumnavigate your preferred process and thus cause confusion. Before you start double check everything and remember each time you relocate a lightswitch it will cost extra!

Good luck!

[caroldecker]

have material costs gone up 5%? Can you ask for itemised bills? I had soem building work and queried material costs - ended up sourcing them myself as cheaper.