Extension help needed please - Bristol

[Havifus]

Hi mumsnet, a very stressed mum here.

We would like to extend our kitchen, 3x5.5m. So far I have had 2 quotes. 2 of £26k and one that was £43k. Admittedly the £43k had a few extra bits but not to warrant the price. Absolutely fine until he told me he didn’t know how anyone could do it for any less and to make sure they don’t do a runner. This has now got me panicking. Can anyone recommend a trusted builder around Bristol or give me some tips on how to not get ripped off.

Hi @Havifus, it's really stressful when you don't know anyone reliable particularly at the moment. I'm not near Bristol so I can't help on actual builders but I think it's generally recommended that you have 3 quotes if possible so you could try someone else. If the third quote came in around the £43k mark then I'd be more concerned.

If you can't get a 3rd quote could you ask the £26k one to give you some references of work that he's completed before and even if you can't see them arrange a video chat so that you can ask questions and see the quality of his work.

It's also worth noting that a quote is not a fixed price unless you specifically agree that. It could well be that you rack up extra costs throughout the build if you go with the lower price quote so it's probably worth budgeting at least 20% contingency on top of whatever quote you go with.

There are some online tools you can use to calculate the likely cost of your extension and they do seem to vary although if I was you I'd budget about £2k per sqm so about £33,000. That wouldn't include buying or fitting a kitchen, not sure if that's what you'd be using the extension for.

One other thought...do any of your neighbours have extensions or have you seen anyone locally having one done? Not easy to talk to people about it in Covid times but you could maybe pop a note through someone's letter box asking for recommendations?

Have you compared the quotes line by line to see where the differences are?

Have they assumed the same depth foundations, same roof structure, same level of finishing? Do they all include VAT?

Thank you both so much for replying, we don’t have designs as I don’t want a quote for any of the inside just a shell extension up to plaster. When tradesman arrived I’ve explained the electrics and plumbing required up to this level, it’s really basic tbh nothing fancy. We know plenty of other tradesman funnily enough and I would ideally want to use them for the final work, kitchen fitting etc. I thought £33k sounded reasonable too which is why this quote sounds expensive. The £26k person was recommended to me but they do not have an online presence which worries me. He said it’s a small family run business (I’ve found the registered company) and he was very booked up for the next 6-12 months. He said he doesn’t need to advertise as his work is all word of mouth. The £43k has a huge and very positive online presence but i did go through ratedpeople. Thanks for the suggestion about neighbours. Funnily enough there have been quite a few around here so may just drop a note through the door. Extensions are both exciting and petrifying! And this is the third property I have renovated, just never completed an extension before! Minefield

We are currently using these builders.

Amazing work.

Complete minefield! My builders were excellent up to first fix but were atrocious after that point. They failed to produce a full breakdown so were forever changing their story on what's included or not so definitely get the breakdown

Thank you both. Feeling a little clearer this morning. I think up to first fix is best for us, that way we can get bits done at a time such a skirting or flooring. Mainly just need the structure and kitchen fitted. Got someone else coming this afternoon and will see what he quotes

I would recommend my DH but I won't as it feels odd!
OP do you have any friends/family etc who have had work done? I say this as DH has never had to advertise his work is all from recommendations, don't be swayed by fancy adverts and always ask if you can see/speak to previous customers.

Hi Logmein, I see no problem in your husband coming to quote? We do in other areas but not a builder/extension. It’s a huge job and one we cannot afford to get wrong unlike all the other smaller pieces. That’s why I feel the pressure!

I know the feeling as we also renovate our homes, DH TBH has worked booked for the next 3 years so would be no good for you.
But honestly ask to see previous work, speak to the customer without builder being there, a good builder/tradesperson will be fine with this, if they aren't don't use them.

I can send you pictures of our extension so far.

Yes please @Outbutnotoutout that would be amazing

Cant pm you them

We have a wall.

The rain is hindering things slightly, but the builders wack on their waterproofs lol