Getting quotes like pulling teeth

[needmorespace2026]

Anyone have any tips for getting builders to get round to quoting for a job?

We have planning permission for a wrap around extension on our semi detached house. I had three carefully chosen builders round and all said they would go away and write up quotes. But none of them have. It’s been six weeks.

Is this normal? I messaged them last week to check they were still interested but only one replied so I’m afraid the other might have decided not to bother (although will ring them to check)

So before I restart with other builders, any tips for making the job/ process of quoting for it more attractive?

‘Reached out again’ what does that actually mean, sent an email, text, WhatsApp or actually telephoned them. Try calling them every day, somebody will crack oh and get more quotes, they are clearly not that interested in the job.

The builder that is just about to conclude on two major renovations for me was one of 15 that I made contact with 4 projects ago. We will be starting yet another complete renovation early next year, and so it all begins again 😂

I’m sure it won’t be you OP but things that have put my contractor DH off when quoting have been:

• People that are difficult. Generally he just gets a vibe but experience has taught him if clients are difficult from the off, it’s never a good sign.
• People that refuse to disclose their budget for fear they might be ripped off. It’s a complete waste of time for a builder quoting a clients high spec extension/kitchen when they only have a £20k budget.
• People that want to get all their own materials (and particularly ones that want DH to measure up and tell them the exact quantities they require). They all put a mark-up on materials and most contractors will not want to quote for a labour only job.
• People that have extremely dirty homes.

He’s never ghosted potential clients though but will lie and say he’s too busy when he lets them down.

I wouldn’t worry about getting a QS in though. DH has had a couple on more commercial jobs but they aren’t always accurate and can create more work for the builder than less.

@Nosleepforthismumthanks, that’s really informative. No I didn’t do those things - I mainly just asked them how they preferred to operate. I don’t think I came across as difficult but fear of that is why I haven’t rung more often to chase.

also good to hear this advice about the QS, I don’t really want to spend more money on hiring one at this stage so if it might not help, I won’t

@Wowthatwasabigstepa mixture. I see your point that calling is less ignorable but if people don’t pick up how often can you keep calling really without them deciding you are a hassle? Argh. Will definitely look for more options.

I've had the same - just a bathroom refit for me but numerous people in, gone through everything, I've showed them my plans, they've made suggestions, we've had a good chat about it and it seems like they are interested and keen, but then never hear from them again. Or people making appointments to quote and never even turning up - so definitely not me putting them off! Got someone lined up in the end but only because it was someone I knew from my previous area and previous property who was happy to travel.

I'm an electrician, I haven't quoted for a job since before covid, it's so very busy out there for us all and there is so much work on it's just not something I have to do these days, which saves vastly on the old paperwork.

If someone asks for a quote, I do have the good grace to say sorry no can do.

Haven't read all posts thoroughly, but the only way I've found to get anywhere near a firm 'interested quote' is to get recommendations of who to contact from other trades I've already used. Even then it's 50-50!

@DeftWaspjust curious but if you don’t do quotes how do you arrange work? Do you just have building companies who regularly hire you rather than working direct with homeowners or something like that?

I just get people ask me to do work for them "can you wire my new extension" which is a job I've just finished, no talk of money upfront - Its half term and I'm running new power round some classrooms at the local secondary school "can you fit us in at half term?, can you do this" and away we go.

Its actually very rare to get asked to give even an estimate - Its a small town, I'm 3rd generation in the business, is I'd like to think word of mouth is we've always been fair.

I had a quote last week for a company to re point, he turned up on time sent the quote the next day, but cant do it till February. That's OK happy to wait. Another one couldn't come and quote for 6 weeks as he was too busy.

That sihnd a much better arrangement we have bought a reno project and that will be my approach. Can you come and rewire please, great, can you plaster, decorate etc so they know the job is theirs. An extension is gonna be about 100 grand dependant on spec so you probably do want three quotes and to have about a years lead time if you want anyone decent

Agree completely on materials, I can usually beat B&Q or Screwfix etc on electrical materials even with a reasonable mark up. I won't work with customer purchased materials unless they stick to an agreed spec, or else you end up fitting cheap tat and have to deal with "my light has stopped working" 4 months later - not because of the workmanship, but because of the crap fitting!

Seems irritatingly normal at the moment. It’s driving me bonkers. Just moved into a new house. Numerous jobs need doing. Getting people out doesn’t seem to be the issue. We have great chats about it, they act really keen and interested and even give potential start dates….then…nothing. It’s so strange!

I wish they just had the backbone to be honest and say they don’t want the job upfront and waste an hour of each others time going through the work to then not follow up. It’s happened with 13 tradesmen so far. Out of 16, only 3 got back to me.

@needmorespace2026 This sounds sooo frustrating. I honestly don’t understand why some people don’t appreciate when someone’s trying to give them business.!! This has happened to me so many times now, across multiple industries... I digress...

Not sure if this is still useful, but when I went through my renovation I used a platform called HiiGuru and had a really great experience. They matched me with someone who basically guided me through everything. They helped me find a really good builder and helped me negotiate the quote too! It was really nice to experience a personal touch.