Are we crazy to call for tenders in this market?

[Yellownotblue]

After many delays, our extension plans are finally ready. Our architect said he wants to call for tenders from builders, starting next week.

I keep reading and hearing horror stories about the building trade being completely dislocated - staff shortages, as well as shortages of every building material (timber, steel, plaster etc). There are two projects on our road that have not had any work done for months - scaffolding is still there, but the projects are halted because they don’t have the supplies.

Our architect said the market is only going to get worse 😱 so we should bite the bullet now.

Are we crazy to go to tenders now?

I would say yes it's crazy...but can't offer a solution as to when things would improve...so architect might be correct to have a try. Also don't forget there is often a long lead time anyway

Be mindful that architects rely on new business from completed projects that they show on Facebook etc to tempt others

Make sure the tender is VERY detailed.

Maybe do the tenders and pick someone, but don’t let anyone actually start the work unless they can convince you that they can complete it? As PP said, there likely to be a long lead time anyway, so it might be best to get on someone’s list sooner rather than later.

Tendering is normal, how else are you going to know what the work costs and whether thst cost is average?

Where in the country are you?

It's a weird time everywhere, but I get the impression things are less upside down where we are (former industrial area, most tradespersons grew up in the area) than some (lots of tradespersons from e.g. Eastern Europe, some of whom may have returned home due to Brexit and/or COVID).

Materials shortages are everywhere, but again they're not the same everywhere. Cement is short all over, but markets in aggregates (sand, gravel) are traditionally more local due to the costs of transporting them around the country in bulk.

We’re about to do the same. I contacted 10 builders and 2-3 had availability to start within the next couple of months, which was much better than I expected.

Thanks all. We’re in London where things seem to be the worst. I guess we’ve got nothing to lose going to tender. I’m braced for very bad news, but at least we’ll know where we stand...

We don’t mind waiting for builder availability, in my mind I can’t see us starting until next spring.

I'm in the same position - planning permission etc in place and are now waiting for builders quotes and availability. I live in the south east. I would normally go with a family members building company but they are fully booked up into next year so I want to see if any one else can fit us in sooner ( at a reasonable cost).