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Extensions

Estimate for building work - which questions to ask

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.17 PM

I'm meeting builders to get estimates for the extension work which I want to get done in my residential property (whilst living in it). This includes replacement of the outdoor buildings (garage and workshop shed) by joining these two buildings to the newly done wrap-around extension. My architect has drawn detailed drawings and I'm now getting builders in to get estimates. I have prepared questions to ask each builder as I want to be able to compare estimates on 'like-to-like basis'. Here is the list I have prepared but would appreciate professional tradesman's perspective in case I have missed anything: Background: 1. How long have you been operating? 2. How many years of trading experience? 3. Can you provide references for work completed for other customers? Payment: 1. Is your price an estimate or a quotation? 2. What are your payment terms? Deposit and payment plan? 3. Is your builder VAT registered? 4. Will you stick to your written estimate? 5. Are there any hidden costs? 6. Will you provide me with a detailed quotation and will you include everything on the drawings or specification? 7. Does it include skip hire, and all other expenditure? 8. Will you provide a full quotation in writing? Schedule of works: 1. Can you outline my building schedule? Trade standards: 1. Are you a member of a trade body? 2. Do you have full liability insurance? Considerate builders: 1. How will you minimise disruption to me and my neighbours? 2. Is the site cleaned up at the end of every day? What will you do to protect my property? Project and site management: 3. Can you provide a full schedule and time span for this work? 4. If you are awarded the project will you give me a start date, a completion date and are you prepared to offer compensation for each week that the project takes over this agreed timescale? 5. Do you stay on-site until the job is complete? 6. Do you anticipate any problems or possible cost overruns? 7. Who manages the builders, organises the workforce, inspects the quality of work, liaises with the architects etc? 8. What can I expect to see when the project is done? 9. Are your workers employees or just sub-contractors? 10. How long will I be without shower / toilet / cooker etc. ? Availability: 11. When would you be available to start? Contact details: 12. Does your builder have a permanent base or offices? 13. What is your address and contact details? Any other details: Please provide additional information as relevant.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

2 Answers

Lewis Building Ltd

Rating: 3.7 out of 5

Paisley

1. Request a Fully itemised schedule of works, including cost for each item. 2. Confirmation of Public Liability Insurance and "Employers" Liability Insurance. 3. Request the work identified on the Architects drawings is included as a "lump sum fixed price". 4. Confirm Labour and trade rates for any proposed additional works that may be required. 5. Value engineer the project in agreement with the Architect, prior to commencement to assess any savings.

Answered6 June 2018

Anonymous user

The first question should always be asking to see previous works and to speak to previous clients. That is the make or break question. When talking to previous clients remember that the most important questions are Was it on time and Was it on budget. Once you have chosen the contractors you want to tender for your work. Give them a set of the drawings and list of what you expect, for example do they need to get a portable toilet or canteen facilities or can they use the house toilet and maybe base themselves in the garage and expected work hours. Ask for a copy of their insurance details and those of any subcontractors they may use. Be very clear about payment schedules, deposits and what materials that you or the contractor need to supply. you should feel comfortable with talking to your contractor as clear and forthright communication is vital for a successful project.

Answered27 May 2019