Quotes for extension - How to decide

newo

Hi,

Myself and OH are in the process of getting planning for two storey extension to side of house (car port with two bedrooms above), and small extension to back of house. Have requested some quotes through tradesman.ie, but neither of us have a clue about this kind of thing. We have engaged a good architect (actually an engineer), who will finish working with us once planning is granted and has recommended an engineer to take over at this point. In relation to the quotes, we've received three (ballpark figures from two, over the phone, very close to each other) and a third in writing which is a lot more (and doesn't include VAT). However first two aren't including flooring, kitchen and painting of the property whereas third is. What is the best way to try and move forward - has anybody any opinion on whether we should just get the builder to do the basic works and try and get the best deals ourselves on kitchen, flooring, paining etc. or whether in general it's better to try and get everything done through one body so to speak.

Should we be giving the quotes to our architect to look over? (We have no understanding of building materials etc. so wouldn't know who is using better stuff iykwim). Or should we wait till it's handed over to the engineer (our project manager basically). Our architect is in no hurry to get quotes, but we decided to start looking as we probably only have half the money and need to borrow the rest and need to know if we can do it (the property is currently rented out as the house is too small for our family, and we rent a bigger property). From speaking to builders they think it is prudent to get the quotes now and be reading when hopefully permission is granted as most builders at the moment have a few jobs lined up so need to be given some notice.

Sorry if this is not explained very well or the questions are stupid. Complete novice. Any advice appreciated.

mcneil

newo wrote: »

Hi,

Myself and OH are in the process of getting planning for two storey extension to side of house (car port with two bedrooms above), and small extension to back of house. Have requested some quotes through tradesman.ie, but neither of us have a clue about this kind of thing. We have engaged a good architect (actually an engineer), who will finish working with us once planning is granted and has recommended an engineer to take over at this point. In relation to the quotes, we've received three (ballpark figures from two, over the phone, very close to each other) and a third in writing which is a lot more (and doesn't include VAT). However first two aren't including flooring, kitchen and painting of the property whereas third is. What is the best way to try and move forward - has anybody any opinion on whether we should just get the builder to do the basic works and try and get the best deals ourselves on kitchen, flooring, paining etc. or whether in general it's better to try and get everything done through one body so to speak.

Should we be giving the quotes to our architect to look over? (We have no understanding of building materials etc. so wouldn't know who is using better stuff iykwim). Or should we wait till it's handed over to the engineer (our project manager basically). Our architect is in no hurry to get quotes, but we decided to start looking as we probably only have half the money and need to borrow the rest and need to know if we can do it (the property is currently rented out as the house is too small for our family, and we rent a bigger property). From speaking to builders they think it is prudent to get the quotes now and be reading when hopefully permission is granted as most builders at the moment have a few jobs lined up so need to be given some notice.

Sorry if this is not explained very well or the questions are stupid. Complete novice. Any advice appreciated.

Get recommendations of the builders then decided which one to choose. Dont go on the cheapest because you can get stung and end up with bad workmanship.

Its upto you to decided who to use for building it, not the engineer.

newo

Thanks mcneil. Yes I know it's up to use to decide, but thinking engineer would have a better understanding of the quality of materials etc. than we would so should we ask for their advice.

Sausage dog

Go see work carried out by all the builders, talk to past clients and then make sure you are comparing like for like with each builders prices. We decided on our builder after seeing the quality of work done on other jobs & recommendations. He was not the cheapest. Good luck!

bemak

newo wrote: »

Hi,

We have engaged a good architect (actually an engineer),

Can't use the title architect unless registered as one with the RIAI. So make sure you're not being charged architect rates!

Conorf10

Bemak is correct, ensure the engineer is a Chartered Architect and a certified designer or they will not be able to sign off on the design. In terms of the quotes, the best bet is to get a coordinator or QS to assist. For a small fee they will ensure the best priced for each element is achieved and minimise the risk or arguments on site. Quite often someone will price something and when they get to site say something is not what was included and they will need extra money, the QS will ensure this is not the case

Gumbo

Conorf10 wrote: »

Bemak is correct, ensure the engineer is a Chartered Architect and a certified designer or they will not be able to sign off on the design. In terms of the quotes, the best bet is to get a coordinator or QS to assist. For a small fee they will ensure the best priced for each element is achieved and minimise the risk or arguments on site. Quite often someone will price something and when they get to site say something is not what was included and they will need extra money, the QS will ensure this is not the case

Bit of a mix up here, you cannot be a chartered architect, only a Registered Architect. You can be a Chartered Engineer or Surveyor though

Also, the OP is doing an extension so technically there are many that can certify the works once they have the relevant PI Insurance, such as technicians, engineers, architects, surveyors etc