To make sure you get an accurate quote from your builder, provide them with as much detail as possible about your project. To be confident that the quotes reflect the price you will end up paying, your tender documents should include:
- A concise brief that lays out the details of what you do and do not want.
- Plans or drawings suitable for Building Control purposes if needed.
- A full specification of the requirements of the project.
- A list of who will be expected to do what i.e. will you be project managing, hiring trades and ordering materials? Or do you want the builder to do this on your behalf?
- Details of planning permission requirements and/or restrictions.
- Anticipated timescales.
- Any site access issues you know about.
- Tricky site conditions if known.
You can pay an architect or house designer to produce planning drawings. Alternatively, many Master Builders offer design and build services and can create plans for you. The ‘design and build’ service can often help you to better understand the full costs of your project from the outset, as opposed to paying for architectural drawings that you may not be able to afford to build.
Always ask whether the quote includes VAT and whether there are any other costs not mentioned — it can also help to ask your builder to separate out their costs for labour and materials.
Be upfront about your budget too. If the builder walks away then it’s better that it happens before the work begins. Remember that quotes should always be written and not verbal. FMB Master Builders will provide written quotes as a standard part of the service.