Builders not sending quotes

[justaperson]

We're planning an extension, have permissions etc in place and plans drawn up. It's a fairly straightforward ground floor kitchen extension.

So far we've had 5 builders come to look with a view to doing quotes but only one has returned a quote so far. We've chased the "non-quoters" up but nothing seems to be forthcoming and it puts me off that we're chasing them at the outset...

Beginning to wonder if we're on some sort of builders blacklist!? Is it normal for builders to come out, seem enthusiastic and interested and then drop off the radar?

They are probably busy catching up on work not done during lockdown and many builders are not great on paperwork! Alternatively they may not be bothered but they should have said

We are going through similar hassles and delays. All workmen/builders/tradies I've spoke to have said the same:

• Some work was stopped during covid, so now they are busy catching up on their delayed projects
• MANY people are now wanting to do extensions/conservatories to spend more time at home
• The stamp duty and other goverment schemes have increased interest in buying and doing home improvements

I'd prefer them to be completely honest with their timelines, so I know where I stand. If they said they were booked till X, then I'd know. I also find it rude/annoying when I ask a seemingly simple question via email, and it takes them over a week to reply!!!!

I don’t know why they bother coming to price a job up and then go silent.
Perhaps they’re ‘cherry-picking’ jobs but the least they could do is say sorry, I can’t fit you in or something similar.
It’s not you, it is them.

Small builders do their paperwork and quotes in their "spare time" and its holiday season at the moment. I'd ask them for a realistic date to get back. DH is often up well past midnight working on quotes, he hates to keep people waiting but your quote might be one of five this week.

I wouldn't chase. Think 2-3 weeks for a quote is reasonable. It takes alot of time to do it properly.

But if they are not keen for job then why chase.

Keep looking.

But take ypur time now at quote stage. It will save you £ and stress in long run. I am incredulous how often people on here only get one quote.
Its a marathon not a sprint.

Glad it's not just me... I understand there's a lot of catching up to do on work, extra work and that quotes are often done out of working hours so had tried to account for that when not hassling people. I'd not factored in holiday time though - that makes sense.

I guess I just wasn't sure if it's par for the course when getting quotes, but it seems it might be at the moment.

I'm always paranoid as the people who lived here before us (admittedly over 10 yrs now) had obviously got people to do work on the house and not paid for it. A few people came to the door to collect money for various painting jobs etc who obviously hadn't been paid by the previous owners so I worry that we're on some blacklist!!

I'll keep persevering with asking for quotes and hopefully we'll get somewhere eventually!