Builder quoting with no materials included

[hooliodancer]

I had a builder come round to quote on quite a large, but varied job.

It includes a new bathroom, quite a lot of fencing, some soundproofing, laying a patio, laying

I told him we would be supplying own bathroom fittings, tiles etc.

He has quoted with absolutely no materials at all!

He says I can use his builders merchants.

I feel that the costs could all spiral out of control this way.

Is this at all normal?

I have asked him to break his quote down a bit. I also have no way of comparing to other quotes!

he might be peeved that he will make no margin on the more profitable stuff.

He might be wanting to keep his turnover down to avoid VAT

He might be wanting to let you carry the risk of faulty, late or incorrect materials

If you order the stuff and have it delivered to you, why do you think costs will spiral? It sounds like he is offering to let you use his name to get trade prices. This is not unusual.

I would certainly expect at least a detailed list of what materials are going to be needed - as he knows that, but you don't! Otherwise, as you say, it's hard to know if it's a good quote or not if you have no way of calculating the costs of everything.