Is this building quote over the top?

November 14, 2006 10:06 AM

I've got practically no experience with builders and I'm concerned that the costs for this job are totally over the top. Can anyone help figure out if I'm being taken for a ride?

I've had a nightmare with this job and now, after months dealing with the planning office, I'm desperate to get the first stage of work done so that the main part of the building (oak framed extension to an existing stable block, which is being converted) can be done. I've had a price from the builder to get the work done.

In short we need to reduce oversite, pile drive footings for new extension, build support wall for Oak frame, install beam and block floor, install DPC (gas rated), insulate floor and screed, build a couple of return walls, and install a 5 metre steel. All the drawings have been done and paid for, as has all planning, building control application etc. The total cost (nearly £19000+VAT) seems absurd considering I'd still need to put a roof on and then finish the interior. The oak frame has been paid for already and is sitting in storage waiting to be erected.

The total floor area is about 60m square. Here's a more detailed break down.

Mini Digger, 1 day, reduce oversite down by about 200mm to make way for void under new beam and block floor.

Install 8 telescopic air bricks and 6 perp end ventilators to existing stable block.

Fill top of cavity in existing building (17 linear metres approx) with expanding foam (long story, to prevent possible gas migration up cavity).

Grind out same perimeter to allow installation of Gas rated DPC.

Temporary support of front part of existing building. Possible relocation of supports during construction of footings.

Construction of dwarf walls to support new oak extension, up to DPC (16 linear metres) and construction of some block walls inside existing building to support new beam and block floor. New dwarf wall to include several ventilator bricks (telescopic).

Install beam and block floor. Articulated truck and crane.

Installation of Visqueen gas rated DPC.

Construct two return walls (3 linear metres approx. 2.5 metres high). Smooth rendered to exterior.

Remove props and install new steel (5m).

Screed floor (75mm) and insulate (65mm).

Total cost: £11900+VAT

Part way through this the Piling company will come in to Pile the foundations for the new part of the building and install the ring beam.

Cost for Piling: £7000+VAT


Whilst your there, any ideas for a ball park figure for installing a pitched roof (25m square)?

Thanks!

posted by Glum to home & garden (4 comments total)

Sorry, being from the US, I can't comment on the prices directly. But, it's good idea to get price quotes from more than one general contractor for your job. That way you can compare prices and then check the itemized quote to see if where specifically they're trying to pad the bill.
posted by Cog at 10:23 AM on November 14, 2006

Have you considered hiring a registered quantity surveyor? If nothing else, you'd get a specific "this job requires these things" list, which you can then use to determine approximately reasonable pricing.
posted by aramaic at 11:51 AM on November 14, 2006

I’m a builder from the US. As some wag noted, we are two peoples separated by a common language and, from all appearances, the building trades may be the worst offenders in that regard. I don’t speak UK builder jargon so I have no real idea what you’re talking about. Sorry... I wanted to help.
posted by Huplescat at 4:47 PM on November 14, 2006

I was a builder for a couple of years.

Get as many estimates as you have time for. Seriously spend a lot of time with this. Get them in writing.

Then when you pick someone, develop and sign a contract with them covering how much, how long, etc. If necessary, pay a little money for help with a good contract.

Find out who will be working. Many builders train their employees on the job. That means you can be paying for someone without skill to build for you. They'll be slow and defficient in skill.

Then hold your builder to the contract. Do not accept overruns, unexpected costs, overhead, etc. A good contracter will write a little leeway into an estimate to cover the unexpected.
Some builders bid low, knowing they'll be asking you for more later on.
Problems arise when clients are hit with unexpected expenses.

As an aside, photo document the building process. If you won't be around, have the builder do it. Buy disposable cameras, if necessary. It's great to have the pics as a reference later on --if only to remember where things are.

Lastly, do not sign off on the completed work until you have checked it over carefully.
posted by nicholai88 at 3:28 PM on November 15, 2006