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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Am I being ripped off? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1498945122 Message started by Pip on Jul 1^st, 2017, 10:38pm

Title: Am I being ripped off?
Post by Pip on Jul 1^st, 2017, 10:38pm

I am buying a house which needs completely re-doing. It's a large 7 bed house, 5 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms. Building is great but the inside needs ripping out and new putting in. I've had a quote off a builder and I want to know if it's any good or am I being ripped off?

It's having a small stair case put in, needs re-plastering downstairs but not up. Kitchen is coming out and all carpets coming out, tiles in kitchen is coming up and new going down. Guttering needs re-doing.
The quote includes doing this and labour for installing new bathrooms and kitchens but we shall buy the units ourselves so that isn't in the quote. One of the ensuites is coming out and being turned into a walk in wardbrobe, and a small chimnley is coming out of a bedroom and being filled in. Getting the old doors sanded down and re-painted. Getting a handful of windows replaced (just the double glazing) and having a door taken out and a window put in. And adding patio doors. Getting two new boilers and all new radiators. Think that covers everything.

Anyway, I've been quoted £87,000 for this work. Does this sound about right? I know it's hard to tell without seeing the place and the work that's required but hoping to get an idea of whether to get a quote from someone else or whether this guy is legit.

Many thanks!

Title: Re: Am I being ripped off?
Post by woodsmith on Jul 2^nd, 2017, 8:19am

This is a bit like asking, I've been offered a car for £10,000 is it worth it!

Really its impossible to say but I would always recommend getting at least a couple of quotes, especially for a big job like this.

Title: Re: Am I being ripped off?
Post by stuart45 on Jul 2^nd, 2017, 8:56am

With a job of that size and amount of cash involved I agree that you need a number of quotes from respected tradesmen, or small firms.
Price will depend on your location as well.
When you buy an old property it's easy to throw a lot of cash into it if you don't keep a tight hold of the budget.

Title: Re: Am I being ripped off?
Post by thescruff on Jul 2^nd, 2017, 9:18pm

As above at least 3 quotes ( not estimates ).

I would also list exactly all the work you want doing with as much detail as possible, it tends to reduce the surprise extras if you start off with a comprehensive tender.

It also gives you a better idea if everyone is quoting for the same works.

For example I would consider two boilers instead of one larger one, you can get boilers from £1000.00 to several 1000.00 so what have they quoted for ? cheap and nasty or top of the range. price could be the same.

Title: Re: Am I being ripped off?
Post by CWatters on Jul 3^rd, 2017, 5:34pm

Some of the things on the list might require Building Control to be involved. For example partial removal of a chimney. There are fees for that so perhaps check if they are included in the quote?

I don't see anything that is likely to need Planning Permission unless you are in a conservation area or it's a Listed Building.

You didn't mention insulation? Already done? If the walls are solid then internal wall insulation might be worth doing if plastering the whole ground floor.

Title: Re: Am I being ripped off?
Post by londonman on Jul 5^th, 2017, 9:25pm

And you don't say where you are. There is a huge difference in rates across the country.