Blocklayer Costs

Rio_2010

Im currently in the middle of a home build (using a PM as I have no building experience) with foundations complete and blockwork about to start. My PM is getting quotes for blockwork that I feel are over priced (gut feeling is that my PM is adding €€ to price) and Im trying to get an independent estimate for comparison or else a review of quote I am getting based on my plans.

I have full construction drawings to work from and would really appreciate any help anyone can provide..... Please PM me for plans/quote etc.

Thank You in advance.....

Rio

Poor Uncle Tom

Hi Rio 2010, welcome along,

First of all, what general area are you in?

It would be wise to get a couple of good local blocklayers to giv you independant quotes to compare, but a lot will depend on the type of brief you have given to the PM and what type of contract you have with them.

Rio_2010

Thanks Tom,

In Galway area... have already approached a couple of local guys who quote cheaper per block but Im being advised that there are a lot of awkward corners and multiple ridge heights requiring extra work to ensure damp proofing that the cheaper guys wont have taken into consideration. Like I said, Ive no building experience so not in a good position to debate the finer points with the experts.

So basically Im being told that if I go with the cheaper option I will run into problems down the road and PM wont stand over the work as he is not familiar with the people involved or their quality of work. (not that he is going to certify the work in either case!)

Ive no formal contract with the PM but I have met with others who have used and recommend him, his brief is to use his contacts to get good tradesmen at good prices along with good prices on materials (which has been happening until now). Also to coordinate all onsite work and deliveries.

If I could get an independent opinion here, it would help me greatly to get a good feel for where I am in relation to costings.

Thanks again in advance,

Rio

tred

Rio_2010 wrote: »

Thanks Tom,

In Galway area... have already approached a couple of local guys who quote cheaper per block but Im being advised that there are a lot of awkward corners and multiple ridge heights requiring extra work to ensure damp proofing that the cheaper guys wont have taken into consideration. Like I said, Ive no building experience so not in a good position to debate the finer points with the experts.

So basically Im being told that if I go with the cheaper option I will run into problems down the road and PM wont stand over the work as he is not familiar with the people involved or their quality of work. (not that he is going to certify the work in either case!)

Ive no formal contract with the PM but I have met with others who have used and recommend him, his brief is to use his contacts to get good tradesmen at good prices along with good prices on materials (which has been happening until now). Also to coordinate all onsite work and deliveries.

If I could get an independent opinion here, it would help me greatly to get a good feel for where I am in relation to costings.

Thanks again in advance,

Rio

Rio, in the middle of a selfbuild myself in galway, Best bit of advice ever, dont price by the block, price by the job. I had a difference of 4k between top and lad i went with, all were well recommended, and the lad i went with, was absolutely A1. PM if you want a name and if you want to have a look a the house...Tred...

Rio_2010

Thanks Tred, Just PM'd you.

Rio

galwaytt

Dirt cheap blocklaying available for 50c/block - and you get what you pay for, ymmv and all that.

Quality blockwork is about 80c/block.

BERmad

galwaytt wrote: »

Dirt cheap blocklaying available for 50c/block - and you get what you pay for, ymmv and all that.

Quality blockwork is about 80c/block.

Would not agree with that there are quality blocklayers working for less just to keep in work. High price does not mean quality work.

colorc

Your looking at 70c per block down in the south east.

1chippy

when they are pricing per block remember that most brickies price through the opes. ie. that the area where the windows and doors are are still charged for. when there is an apex or ridge point they will charge it as a complete square section or the quantiy of blocks that it would taketo make up the area from the highest point to the furthest width.
you will see a difference in price if you havent tken in these considerations.

on a seperate note you will have to keep a good working relationship with your pm, or theres things down the line that usually end up being extremely problematic. if you get on well and trust him most pms in general will look after their clients very well. if they dont get on with the clients they will often just want to get out of the job as fast as possible thus cutting corners.

Rio_2010

Thanks to all for replies and PM's, I have found the info I was looking for and all is well, original quote is slightly higher than should have been but not by much all things considered (got engineer to estimate total block count and got quote for total job not block count - got most of front wall thrown in aswell through tough negotiations!) and I have the confidence that Ive got a reputable blocklayer that my PM will stand over. No question of PM creaming off top either which has restored confidence.

Was probably being over cautious and a little paranoid as I have no building experience but happy now that my concerns have been satisfactorily addressed.

Thanks once again to all.

Rio