What should I expect from a builder's quote?

[Marylou2]

Hi everyone, we're hoping to have single story kitchen/dining room extension built. Finance is in place and plans drawn up and submitted but having no joy with getting a decent quote from a builder It's not the price I object to it's the chasing I've had to do and the woefully inadequate scrap of paper with a scribbled price that they imagine constitutes a quotation. Both of these are from builders who have come recommended from friends and who have built them good extensions. I kind of expected more, not down to the last brick but at least a written/costed explanation of what I can expect for many tens of thousands of pounds.Does anyone have any experience of this as I'm new to it all. Thanks.

Let me know when you find out!
We've had 3 quotes. One seems very expensive compared to the other two PLUS one of the cheaper ones isn't what we asked for .
So, we thought we'd go with the middle ish one as we've seen an example of his work and the price would leave us enough for a fairly decent kitchen. His quote is quite detailed and covers most of the work required.

However , having asked him to do the work, and also when he can start, I have heard nothing.
I chased him up over the weekend and got a text saying that he was on holiday and would be back this week.

It's not boding well is it?

I found I didn't get a proper/detailed estimate until I chose my builder. I guess it's because they get called on to do a lot of quotes, but don't commit a lot of time to them if chances are they won't get the job. I found it strange, and it was the same
For most trades, but once I showed a genuine commitment to the work they were on me like a rash

We just had an email with one figure on it. I clarified exactly what this included/excluded and what we would be supplying. We went with this builder in the end and are delighted with our extension and the quality of work. He stuck to the price too . We did have some other more detailed quotes for a lot more from other builders but wanted to go with the ind in particular as he was highly recommended.

Our architect was disappointed that he didn't provide a detailed quote but said to do it properly can take a couple of days...

Detailed quotes are a pain in the neck for a builder. - usually people get 3 or more quotes, sometimes knowing already who they're going to use, so the builder would quote loads and not get the jobs.

That's why they give a ball park, see if they might get the job and be worth spending hours of their time quoting from the detailed plans.

Most builders will know their price per square meterage so maybe start there with the recommended ones.

Thanks so much everyone.This really helps.I think based on this we need to make it really clear to our preferred builder that we are very keen to move ahead and ask for a start date and a detailed quote. Finding the whole thing a bit stressful at the moment, just want to get to the fun bits like choosing the kitchen and lighting .

Well, after moaning on here yesterday I got home and Mr Builder phoned me
He passed my details on to a structural engineer ( cos we need steel work ) yesterday.
He then phoned me again today to check that engineer had been in touch ( which he had ) .

At least it looks like we are progressing and Mr Builder hasn't disappeared!

That's good new NoMore! Very pleased for you. We had anothet builder visit last night who has promised to put a proper quote together.Showed me an example spreadsheet so I'm holding out great hopes.

I would go with a firm price and a detailed list of what that does and does not include. Then ask for a more detailed costing to go with that if you decide to go with them and details of when he wants paying and how you both agree that amount.

We had no problem getting detailed quotes from builders. I deeply suspect it was because our job was many hundreds of thousands of pounds and thus all of the builders we tendered were keen. I specd down to the sockets. Now in the demolition phase so we will see how it goes.

That's true chapuys - although we inly had one figure from the builder and a list from me of what was included/excluded - we did have v detailed plans and structural engineers report. We didn't have a written contract but the builder stuck to the quote.

When we've had work done, we've got an architect to draw up plans and we've done a detailed specification ourselves and then asked them to quote on the plans and specification.

The biggest headache was trying to get the preferred builders to sign a contract - this just didn't happen. They produced their own contracts which were frankly useless and I ended up just proceeding on trust and in reliance on my own detailed plans.

Everything went okay but you I think it's absolutely vital that you find a builder you like and trust and who has been personally recommended to you.

Update!! Finally got a proper quote with indicative pricing and costs for the velux and bifolds. Hopefully this will be the one and I'll be cooking Christmas dinner in my dream kitchen. Fingers and toes crossed.