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Restoration & Refurbishment

Two wildly different quotes for work, including having dividing wall taken down

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.02 PM

We want to have a dividing wall taken down (about 6 m) all the walls re skimmed, ceiling reskimmed, a new dividing wall created with doorway. We have had one quote from a plasterer who has previously worked for us before (but only plastering) and another from a building firm. The former quoted £1700 and the latter £12,500!! Has the first totally underestimated the extent of the job or is the second just taking the p...? Additional: The wall is not structural, just replacing the room to its original size, it directly mimics the large room below, but was divided to provide two children's room and a playroom probably about 50 yrs ago.

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2 Answers

Brayfield Construction & Interiors Ltd

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Bury St Edmunds

Huge price variances in quotations are not uncommon, I would suggest you get a third price for further comparison and make sure they are all quoting like for like. Also double check if the wall you are removing is load bearing, if it is you will need some new structural supports and this can be expensive plus you would need an engineers design & calculations. Also ensure that any structural opening / demolition works are inspected by the Local Authority Building Control department as this is a legal requirement.

Answered17 October 2013

Anonymous user

Have you checked is that wall structural? Maybe the larger quote has allowed for an engineer, steels, temporary supports and extra labour. 6m is a lot of wall that could be either supporting or restraining integral to the building stability. For me this needs further investigation, please contact an engineer for their advice which then may highlight which contractor is taking the 'p'. UPDATE Now you have given that information the lower quote seems to be bang on the money - wow the higher quote wanted you to fund his holidays for the next 5 years!

Answered18 October 2013