work to my bungalow

faramond

Hi,
I have a small bungalow near Ballina and a few months back, I got an architectural technologist to do me some drawings. Basically, the things I wanted drawn up included moving a around 2 bathrooms, changing the kitchen layout and other internal works that would basically improve the layout of the house for me. Overall the works are very minor. Anyway, he surveyed the house, went through his sketch designs with me which I was happy with, and then he prepared some construction drawings, drawings that would be suitable for a builder. He charged by €550 for this service, and I was, and am, very happy with it. Anyways, now I want to do the things that are on the construction drawings to the house. Im not sure about going to tender and all of that, but my question is, if I send out my drawings to local builders and ask them for a quote for the works, what happens then? Ive heard stuff before about building contracts but havntt the foggiest clue about them? How can I run this job? sorry for my ignorance.

mr_edge_to_you

We did a bit of investigating on this. It seems that very few people actually use formal contracts. The builder said that normally clients don't use them. We got one prepared by our engineer which we signed (builder and ourselves). It did cost us 600e but I think it is an excellent safety net should you run in to trouble with the build. The basis of the contract is our plans and the builders quote. Fairly simple. I hope that we never have to use it. But most people don't bother with it.

RKQ

To be honest your Arch Tech sounds very reasonable. It might be worth ringing him / her for some advice on moving forward.

If his / her drawings are "Construction Drawings" then they should include detailed notes or specifications that the Builders can price.

Send the drawings and full specification to at least 3 Builders and see how you get on. There are a number of simple contracts available on the net for small works.

At its most basic it will be a letter outlining the works in detail, together with the Builders written quote and your drawings. It will outline costs and payment terms. This contract should be signed by both parties.

The RIAI & Homebond also do a standard contract for €30 - €40 euro, available from their bookshop.

PaddyThai

It amazes me the amount of people who do not ask to see the builder's insurance. Insurance for a small builder can be in the region of €8,000 per year. I wonder, how many small builders are letting their insurance lapse in view of the downturn.
Something to watch out for.

sydthebeat

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

It did cost us 600e but I think it is an excellent safety net should you run in to trouble with the build. The basis of the contract is our plans and the builders quote. Fairly simple. I hope that we never have to use it. But most people don't bother with it.

€600 :eek: :eek: :eek:

where did you go for the contract??? johnnie cochran??

AFAIK they are available from RIAI for about €30 ....

mr_edge_to_you

sydthebeat wrote: »

€600 :eek: :eek: :eek:

where did you go for the contract??? johnnie cochran??

AFAIK they are available from RIAI for about €30 ....

A bit late now! Our engineer looked after it. It is very competitive. Seen as how he was very competitive in his sign-off/supervision price I reckoned he would've been competitive enough for the contract. In fairness we've been impressed with his detail in supervision so I can't fault the guy.

Must check out the 30e contract and see what difference is!

But it does provide a good starting point in the resolution of any dispute!