Why is it so hard to get a quote - any tips?

[rosybell]

Finding it really hard to get a quote for the work we want to do on our house. Nothing crazy, just knocking through kitchen/diner, installing sliding doors and relocating our downstairs toilet. So far, 3 builders have come round, and had a look, been really enthusiastic but have not got back to us with a quote! This is after I have e-mailed them drawings with measurements etc, not sure why.. often they haven’t responded to my follow up e-mails. I really want a good idea of the costs involved so we can start getting our finances in place but finding it hard to find a decent builder. Any tips/websites anyone recommends for finding reliable builders?

Have you looked at My Builder?

You post your job in your area and if anyone is interested they will get in touch.

We did use them then changed our plans, but know of others who have been very happy with who they went with

My builder makes the tradesmen pay for leads, even if you don't use them and are very lax in checking insurance/qualifications.
My DH is a plumber and was really concerned about the process, so decided not to go onto it.
I would go to checkatrade and send a message to the closest high scoring 10.

Bark.com is another good place to look for tradespeople too

We've had the same! It's frustrating as we are ready to go in our end, just need a bloody builder!

Think of it from their point of view, it costs them as much to do a quote as to do some work. While they can get enough work to keep them busy, why bother doing a quote for which at best the chances of getting the work is 50:50.

That is essentially why.

What you can do about it, is a different story.

Most builders won't quote without planning permission and most won't do it without structural drawings as it's a waste of their time - if planning changes or structural engineers states design needs changing, they have to rework their quote/costs. Without those two things, you are not in a position to proceed, so it's not in their interest to cost up the job.
Builders are pretty busy at the moment - people are hesitant to move people tend to want their builds done during the summer so until you are ready to go you may find that noone is interested.

I just got someone to do our bathroom through Rated People and they have done a great job at a reasonable price. Was very nervous about using them but put job on - you have to put it in a price category - two builders interested within an hour - one came round that night. He was lovely and seemed to know what talking about so went with him, 2 weeks later he did the work in 6 days with his friend and all works perfectly. In the past I have used the government approved builders scheme to find builders and they have done work fine, one seemed to only want cash and didn't want to give receipts.