Understanding how to compare builder quotes and ensuring that the quotes are precise and fair is an essential component of the building process. It is important to know that you’re getting the best deal. Whether a builder, roofer, electrician or architect, it is common for one professional’s valuation of a particular job to vary from the next. Knowing what to ask for is key to obtaining lower project costs and a better quality finish!
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1. Start With A Reputable Tradesperson
Before you begin compiling your quotes, it’s important to undertake your research and source trustworthy professionals. Being clear and specific about the work you want to complete allows your tradesperson to prepare a quote which is as accurate and thorough as possible.
List your requirements in detail and break down their individual components, including the number of fittings, such as sockets and doors. This enables your tradesperson to factor in materials and labour and ultimately allows them to provide you with a complete cost listing and guide as to the project’s duration.
2. Before You Request A Quote
Requesting a quote should come after you’ve set your sights on a design scheme and applied for all the relevant permissions, including planning consent and building regulations approval. Upon checking off these important preliminary considerations, you are in the best position to provide your tradesperson detailed floor plans, with specific dimensions, which thoroughly outline the work required.
If an architect or designer is assisting with your plans, ensure you obtain a quantity list of necessary materials from them so you can provide this to each potential tradesperson when asking for a quote. Don’t disclose your budget until you have received the quote and assessed its suitability!
3. Comparing Builder Quotes
Depending on the size and scale of your project and the degree of work to be completed by the tradesperson, a quote can take between ten days and three weeks to prepare.
Upon receiving your quote, the starting point is to go through the detailed breakdown and avoid obsessing over the price! List a series of key questions, such as – does the quote meet my expectations? Does it fall within my budget? Are both labour and materials included? While cost is important, remember that good skills, experience and quality materials come at a price!
Take note of quotes that are too low in price, that lack a detailed breakdown of materials, expenses and labour and which have an informal presentation, without the company name, registration number and other such relevant details listed. Professional builder quotes will be thorough, transparent and include a clear scope of works, provisional costs and specific exclusions with reasons.
4. The Final Decision
Once you’ve analysed your quotes and tradespeople you should be in an informed position as to who is the most suitable professional for your job. Ensure your chosen professional outlines all the agreements in writing and that you both sign these agreements prior to the commencement of the work. This forms the basis of a contractual agreement and serves to protect both parties in the event of a dispute.
Following this, you can proceed to put in place a formal contractual agreement with a structured payment plan upon designated stages of completion.
If you have any questions about builder quotes or more broadly about the home building process, including finding the correct house plan, builder or developer, then don’t hesitate to call us on 1800 184 284 or book a call online at a time that suits you.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
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