Loft conversion...is it risky to only get one quote?

[AVeryBigHouse]

We've decided to do a loft conversion so contacted several companies for quotes.

One company gave us an online quote but didn't visit our house or discuss what we wanted. One company came out, took measurements, discussed ideas and came back to us within a few days with a really reasonable quote. The other companies haven't bothered to get back to us.

The company that came out, were friendly, professional gave us some good ideas, didn't suggest expensive alternatives (in fact were actively thinking of ways to make the project come in at a lower price for us). They have a good website with lots of example of their work and have said they could arrange for us to visit some of the lofts they'd converted.

Would it be risky to go with this company without getting a quote from another 2/3 companies? We really liked them but I was always brought up thinking you should get more than one quote!

If you liked them and are happy with the quote I don't see why you need to get more really. It will be more effort than it's worth. Also a company you like and a good working relationship is valuable.

How does it compare to the crappy online quote? If it's in the same ballpark that's a good sign. If it's very different then one more quote ought to give you an idea.

Get more than 1 quote! I'm pretty good at researching average costs of work so had a good idea of what local loft conversions cost - 2 of the quotes were within 5-10k of each other but the last one was over 30k more. Nearly fainted when I got that one. All good builders with good reps and same job spec - but a lot can depend on their size and experience and there's a lot of building work going on where I live so lots of builders to ask!. If I'd only got the third bunch round and hadn't done a bit of research I may have ended up forking out a huge amount extra.

We got three quotes for a loft conversion, one turned out to have done a neighbour's loft and were highly recommended. That was the key for us, conveniently they weee also cheapest - cheapest by £40k for same finish. .

I'd get another one, from a recommendation if you can.

I'd count the ones who haven't bothered coming back to you as quotes ie, the are unproceedable ones.

If you are happy with the price and the plans then don't waste any more time asking people to look at the job.

It's all too common at the moment for builders not to bother sending quotes- many simply don't need the work as they have enough already.

Yes, the other companies don't want the work. I might try to squeeze another one in, if only to confirm your choice or have another expert perspective on the job.

Thanks. The online quote was 10k more expensive so going with the cheaper company without comparing made me wonder if they'd be any good, iykwim?

I'll try and contact another couple to see if they get back to us (although we've nearly exhausted the top internet searches). Wish we knew someone who could recommend!