To ask builders for a proper quote before deciding between them?

[Zinnia]

Deciding between two builders for extension project due to start next month. One I've worked with before (A), one highly recommended by a good, trustworthy, friend (B). A has given me a detailed estimate, B has come up with a single line figure.

I've quizzed B about what is/isn't included in his estimate but it's impossible to compare them, and they are quite far apart (although B's figure is lower, it does not include everything that A's does).

Architect is about to provide drawings for building control, which I will give to both sets of builders to properly quote from. However B has asked for a deposit shortly if we decide to go with him.

I don't believe B is in any way dodgy, just that he works differently from A. AIBU if I ask both of them to provide a proper quote from the building control drawings before we decide which to use? I want to treat both of them fairly but need to be able to compare like with like!

YANBU!! You need a full itemised quote - ideally you would draw up an itemised list (maybe with help from architect) and give to both builders to quote against so they are quoting to exactly the same spec.

I wouldn't buy a simple loaf of bread based on a single line description. Surely the absence if detail is enough to swing you away from that builder. You need to know that they expect to use xyz materials and that it would probably involve abc man hours of work.

I agree. One line is detail for a commitment of such an amount is far from enough. And how will you negotiate on that basis of extra is required?

One line of detail

Thanks!
@minipie I have drawn up a list of what needs doing, and specified as many fixtures and fittings as possible, and sent this to both. It's not in granular detail but gives an overview of the project.

@PickAChew well quite, I can't go spending ££££££s (and it will be!) on the basis of a single line estimate. I really don't think he's dodgy in any way (architect also rates him) but am a bit  at being asked for a deposit before a proper quote.

OK thanks for the sanity check. We will be right at the max of our affordability range with this project and it's all getting quite stressful. Not that I'm expecting the whole process to be anything but!

@Borington that is also a v good point...

Even minor details like how many plug points can affect the overall price (as builders will be charged per item by the leccies). It’s not good to start a major project without details on what’s included or excluded. You are setting yourself up for difficult conversations down the line.

Yes, you need a decent quote. Our extension is just rising out of the ground now, and our builders gave a detailed estimate with quantities based on the planning drawings, then tweaked this when they had more detailed drawings to work from. As others said, the devil is in the detail. The number of electrical switches, sockets etc. in our extension made an amazing difference to the price (quite a few thousand) so this sort of thing is important to get right.

In the end we had three quotes - two from builders who set everything out in detailed spreadsheets, so we could see all their assumptions and how costs would change if we tweaked things later, and a third one (much higher) was a single page. This last was easy to dismiss!

I added a floor to one house (not a loft conversion, a while proper raise the roof storey). The quote was pages long. I thought we had covered every detail. Had architect drawings, discussed staircase design etc etc.
Well blow me down. Floor goes on fine then suddenly 'and here's the extra quote for the staircase'!!!!!! Even though we had discussed it at length, it wasn't included in the original quote. How he expected me to get up there I don't know, but I couldn't argue as it wasn't there in black and white. So go over those quotes carefully, even obvious things can be missed off.

Thanks all - the intention is 100% to get proper detailed quotes, my only concern was whether I ABU for insisting on having those quotes in hand before choosing between the two builders.

I'm already discussing with A if it's possible to save money anywhere. Looks like we'll be getting our paintbrushes out over the summer!

Of course you get the quotes first!