One of the most crucial steps in ensuring your dream home becomes a reality is getting the right builder on board. Whether by brick or by block, this is going to be person that brings your construction drawings to life. This means you’re going to have to reach out across the UK to find the right builder for you.
Once you’ve gathered a list of ideal candidates, it’s time to get a quote from them to calculate their fees. Getting quotes from builders for a self-build project involves several steps to ensure you receive accurate, competitive, and comprehensive bids. Rather than give you a basic guide of how to acquire quotes, we’ve put together a list of dos and don’ts to help you through the process:
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A QUOTE AND AN ESTIMATE
Before we look at quotes, we need to distinguish the differences between an estimate and a detailed quote, as many self-builders don’t know going into the tendering process.
A detailed quote provides a specific and firm price for the work or service, typically based on a thorough understanding of the project requirements. It is usually not subject to change unless the scope of work changes. A detailed quote will break down costs into specific line items, such as materials and labour costs. Quotes are often legally binding once accepted by the customer, meaning the builder must adhere to the price and terms provided.
An estimate is a rough approximation of the potential cost of a project or service. It provides a general idea of what the project might cost but is not exact. An estimate might include an overall price range or a single figure without detailed breakdowns and does not account for changes in scope or additional requirements. Estimates are used early in the process when the details are still uncertain.
To put it simply:
DETAILED QUOTE = Scope is clear
ESTIMATE = Scope is uncertain
DO - MAKE A SHORTLIST OF POTENTIAL BUILDERS
The first thing you’ll need to do is create a streamlined shortlist of potential builders for your project. This is going to act as your springboard for gathering quotes. Your shortlist should be built on a few things. Recommendations from your architect, engineer or any consultant already on the project are a good place to start. Organisations, such as The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Trust A Trader can also be useful tools for connecting to quality tradespeople with a proven track record.
You should gather at least 3 quotes from your shortlist, which gives you options should the quotes vary in value. Additionally, make sure to do your research before approaching companies for a quote.
DON'T - BE VAGUE IN YOUR REQUIREMENTS
One of the most common mistakes is not providing detailed and clear specifications for your project. Builders can only give accurate quotes if they fully understand the scope of the work. Avoid vague descriptions like "standard finishes" or "average quality." Instead, specify the exact materials, brands, and finishes you want. The more detailed you are, the more accurate and comparable your quotes will be.
DO - PROVIDE DETAIL IN YOUR INVITATION TO TENDER LETTER
When making first contact with builders, it’s best to be formal and professional. That’s why you should craft a formal invitation to tender letter filled with key information about the project. This should include:
- The address of the site, along with a description of the project
- Your contact details
- Detailed drawings from your architect, along with any other site plans
- Structural drawings and calculations from your engineer
- An option to visit the site.
To get an idea of who will put in a submission, you should give them a deadline (2 to 4 weeks should give them enough time). This is where a visit to site provides good opportunity for the builder to ask any questions about the project. Punctuality and availability imperative from the self-builder in these stages.
DON'T - RUSH THE PROCESS
Being overly optimistic about your budget can lead to problems down the line. Ask any self-build expert. If you pressure a builder to meet an unrealistic budget, they might be forced to cut corners or compromise on quality. Be honest about your budget from the outset and ensure that the quotes you receive are realistic and comprehensive.
DO - USE DETAILED DRAWINGS
Having detailed drawings when you get quotes from a builder is highly recommended. Detailed drawings serve as a communication tool between you and the builder, providing a clear and precise visual representation of your project.
Your self-build architect will produce drawings in the early stages of your project. The more details provided in these, the better understanding the builder will have of your needs. You can find out more about your self-build drawings here.
Make sure you present the same details and drawings to each builder you contact for a quote to ensure you can compare quotes on a more level basis.
DON'T - GO OVERBOARD WITH QUOTES
The more quotes the better, right? Not exactly. Preparing a detailed quote takes time. While it is wise to gather multiple quotes, going overboard can be counter-productive and not the best use of your already-precious time.
Once you begin the tendering process, you’ll notice that some builders will be cautious when they’re up against four or more companies. A streamlined shortlist and a sensible number of quotes is much more inviting for potential builders.
DO - SET A REALISTIC BUDGET
Being overly optimistic about your budget can lead to problems down the line. If you pressure a builder to meet an unrealistic budget, they might be forced to cut corners or compromise on quality. Be honest about your budget from the outset and ensure that the quotes you receive are realistic and comprehensive.
DON'T - JUST FOCUS ON PRICE
While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest quote, this can be a risky approach – take it from us. A low price might indicate that the builder plans to cut corners or has underestimated the project’s complexity. Instead of focusing solely on price, consider the overall value, including the builder's experience with self-build projects and a and project timeline.
there usually isn’t much wiggle room in your quote, but feel free to talk through your quote with the builder and understand their reasoning before you make the final decision.
Getting quotes from builders can be daunting. It’s a sign the project is coming to life. avoiding these common pitfalls can help you ease into the tendering process. While this article focuses solely on builders, you’ll find a lot of this advice applies to any contractors you bring into the process.
Remember, the goal is to find a builder who offers the best value. Not the best price. Taking the time to carefully review and compare quotes will pay off in the long run.
