Struggling for get quotes

[FrederickSinclair]

We are ready to start an extension, planning permission is in process so now just trying to organise a builder. Found a lovely one recommended by friend who has availability, good experience/reputation etc but as this is our first renovation, we've no idea if the quote is reasonable.

We thought it would be sensible to shop around and get some other quotes just to get an idea. We haven't committed to the first guy so we were still very open to using someone else but we just can't find anyone else to come and have a look. One guy seemed keen but keeps arranging to come and then not turning up. The others we've found are either not available or just don't want the work.

Surely we can't just go with the first guy without seeing what else is around? Or is this what people do? Sorry to sound dim, as I said, we've not done this before!

What are you having done
How much did they quote
What area

Where are you looking? A few years ago I used a website called My Builder where you post your job and the relevant trades will contact you. You can also see their profiles and invite them to quote if you like the look of them. The guy we ended up with was really good and we've used him for many other projects since.

But ultimately, if you've only got one quote from a company that has come recommended and they are willing to do the work, I don't see a problem in going with that, assuming you can afford it. Not sure what other choice you have, apart from just not doing the renovations.

Good luck!

East Anglia area, will be a rear two storey extension of 3.5m x 4.9m plus single storey side extension of 6.5m x 2m. Quote includes installation of new kitchen (but not the actual kitchen) and plumbing of new downstairs loo, plus doors/windows/decorating. Quote is 85.5k plus VAT.

Tell me about it, this is driving me insane! Home renovation programmes always say get three quotes. We’ve done loads of work on our house and have NEVER managed to get three. They’re either busy and outright not interested, say they’ll come and they don’t or come to look, appear enthusiastic then you never hear from them again. We have usually managed to get one quote in the end and go with that because we’re so fed up of waiting for people to turn up and chasing non existent quotes.

We’re trying to get some building work done for a kitchen renovation. I’m seriously starting to think that moving might be easier than getting it done. I’m not sure what else I can do short of standing in town with handfuls of money and offering it to people to do my building work!

Aaaargh!

It's so frustrating isn't it?!

We had the same issue in your area. Ended up getting two quotes. The one you have sounds very reasonable for what you want. We paid £50k plus vat for a 6x6 single storey extension. These were building costs only so didn't include the cost of kitchen , bathroom , flooring, decoration etc.

I'm trying to get quotes for bathroom and en suite update followed by kitchen but can't seem to get anyone out. i can understand from their perspective as they must do loads of quotes which don't materialise into anything and it must be disheartening for a sole trader to do all the work in his/her evenings without reaping the benefits but from a customer's point of view, its so bloody frustrating!!! Even a ball park would be better than nothing!

Oh that's good that you think it's reasonable Mummy. We know this guy is good but we have been told a few times that he's 'not cheap'. We don't mind paying more for a good service but not if it's just adding figures onto the sum for the sake of it.

It was the same when we had a bathroom done last year, but we just went with the one guy we found that time as it was a much smaller project and we were in a hurry to get it done.

1. Make sure you get and check references.
2. Make sure it's a quote, not an estimate - consider a JCT Homeowner contract, a good builder will not flinch at one of these.
3. Get full drawings done and plane approved by building control, NOT a building notice.
4. Don't pay anything bar a token deposit up front.
5. Get as much or your specification agreed before work commences, electrics etc

I had loads of quotes , I used the trust a trader et al sites and probably got about 20
In the end but if they had all turned up and quoted ( some don't bother ) then I'd probably have 50... it's a game of numbers to be honest..
have you got plans and permission? A lot didn't want to quote without that ..