Can't get a builder

jske

Hi all,

We are planning approved and have construction drawings and specifications completed by our engineer for a 217sq meter single storey new build in Galway. We also have a price schedule and BOQ completed by a QS. But we are really struggling to find a builder to take on the project due to builders being too busy or not doing private residential work anymore. I've contacted 10 so far. When I started contacting builders a couple of months ago I had hoped to get 2 or 3 quotes and be able to pick from that. But now I can't even get one and my engineer is saying that the days of getting multiple quotes are gone. The engineers says I need to pick a builder I like and then negotitate directly on price. Is anyone else having this problem? And any advice to getting a builder on board? Is it just wait until a builder is available?

I feel like our project is straight forward enough. Nothing out of the ordinary in terms of the build. It's a nice 1/2 acre site with good access and already clear and fairly level. I really don't want to go down the self build / direct labour approach. I don't have the knowledge or the time but it's looking more and more like that might be my only option.

Any advice or recommendations would be very welcome.

looksee

Find a solid wall and keep beating your head off it. Sorry that is flippant, I have just this minute got a text to say the guy that was going to do some smaller jobs for me, who I have been talking to for 3 months, was due to come Saturday and just said, sorry cant do the job at all, too busy. So I start again.

Kurooi

Push a lot, calls to check in remind them about yourself every few days keep the momentum going.

I found that many will respond, but then lose contact they go on to do another quote, another site, just a few days pass and they will not get back. Call to get them to size up the job, call again 2 days later ask if they have any qs , call again if you're expecting the quote. Call to discuss it, call to get them to commit to a date. If you're pushing the contact to keep up they will prioritize you and know you're serious about getting the business over the line.

El Gato De Negocios

We had the same issue when we were looking for a builder this time 2 years ago. I know several in the area we are and 3 of them quoted me but essentially said they only quoted because they knew me and that they werent really interested in taking on the job. All 3 have contracts to build social housing or are building small to mid sized estates. One of them told me that for the time it would take to build ours (2 storey, 2750 sq ft with 500 sq ft detached garage) they would have two smaller estate houses built and as such, would essentially double what they would earn from us. We ended up going with a different builder I know and he only deals with renovations and once off projects, moved in last December. Its frustrating but keep chipping away, there is a decent facebook page called self build and renovations ireland. Approx 100k members with alot of tradesmen in there from across the country. Maybe try posting in there.

denismc

I enquired with a local architect about doing an extension and they told me they weren't interested! It's bad when you can't even get some drawings done.

Bracken81

Someday Id love to be in a position to turn work down 😀

Getting a Trustworthy and cost competitive Contractor nowadays is rather tricky, like hens teeth