Is this normal procedure with getting a quote ?

[LilyLoo]

We recently rung a local recommended firm for a quote for an extension which we considering getting done.
They then said they had somebody who could come and see us after chasing them up.
The person came one evening was here 15 mins or so did some quick measuring up asked what we wanted and left.
We then got a drawing posted through the door with a request for two checks if we were going ahead for the council for planning.
We then had no reply from the building company r/e the quote so rang them and were informed that the person thay sent round doesn't work for them so they hadn't seen the drawing and could we drop the drawings off.
We did this and have been waiting for 3 weeks when we rung them back and they gave us a rough quote over the phone.
This has turned out to be much more than we hoped so we have had to shelve the planned extension for a while.
However today i recieved a bill for £270 for the planning and design consultant i am slightly that we could get this when we have had no discussion with him of a price and were never informed of his charges at any point.
I just wondered if this is normal practice or not ?

Not right good try through call them and tell them you never received any quote and that you never agreed to any charges you only called for a free no obligation quotation on an extension you where considering building and you needed their quote so you could get several and that their service was a disgusted and you wouldn't be using them as if it takes that long to get a quote how long will the extension take to build and what would the end cost be.
Tell them you will not be paying the bill as they never advised you of any charges and if they had you'd have told them to take a run and jump.
Don't forget your idea call several other builders and ask them for a written free of charge no obligation quotation which has to be a fixed cost for total material, build/labour and planning/designs. These cost slightly more but at least they will not come to you part way through the build requesting more money. If you accept one of thee quotes make sure it's right and what you want 1st as any amendments made to the build after acceptance will cost extra.
Hope you get this sorted.

sorry meant to add if they continue that the bill stands ask for written evidence and tell them that you will be taking this to the training standards, CAB or check which governing bodies they belong too and contact them about it. Contact your local planning office as doing the plans and getting permission can be done by you much cheaper and you'll find your council will be happy to help and recommend local builders also.

oops Trading Standers sorry

Thanks cgomum was beginning to think it was me. We haven't actually had a quote as yet only the one they told us 'roughly' over the phone. I am that two people have recommended this company tbh but even more so that someone can send you a bill whne you haven't even agreed to anything. I cannot be made to pay this can i ? He obviously knows where we live but we haven't signed for anything or even discussed any charges.
If you want a quote from a building firm can they just provide one without having any drawings doen just by looking at the job ?

Think he is trying to pull a fast one. I guess if you do it often enough, someone, womewhere will pay up. Nice little earner for them - if completely unethical and illegal! Would steer well clear of them, tbh.

when a builder gives you a free of charge no obligation quote this will involve drawings as they will need make a drawing before you can approve and accept quote my mum has received 4 quotes for their extension all over 55k but it's very large. She has received drawings and detailed plans for them specifications she gave and has never received a single quotation bill!