When we price for a job, we tend to issue ESTIMATES for works required. There is a good reason for doing this, and we can explain more at the initial job inspection. An estimate is the approximate cost for completing the job, providing all the conditions to complete the job stay the same as expected during the initial inspection. ESTIMATES are for homeowners and bill payers only. If you are looking for an estimate of works to a property that you may potentially buy, please refer to our homebuyer estimate page.
Where planning permission is required for works to be carried out, we will estimate for the job based on the requirements on the drawings.
Not all jobs stay the same, and there can be additional costs for many reasons.
Some reasons may include (but are not limited to):
- Customers often ask for extras / more expensive materials to be added to a job.
- Sometimes when we open a wall, or uncover a pipe etc, we find works that require to be done, that could not have been forseen during initial inspection, and will require to be carried out. This incurs an extra cost.
- In the time between the estimate, and works being carried out, suppliers can put an increase on the price of materials, or the government may change the price of vat to be paid on materials. The additional cost cannot be foreseen at an initial estimate, and therefore any increases in materials require to be added to the final cost.
- Current fluctuation in fuel prices.
We can appreciate how difficult it is for customers who want to know the exact price for the work that is being carried out, and we know that cost is the main concern that many customers are worried about when there is a decision about who carries out the work. We normally find that we have covered most if not all outcomes and find that 95% of our estimates are in fact the final cost invoiced to the client.
If you need to find out more about the estimates v quotes, please send us a message through our contact page form.
We provide an additional building consultancy service which is charged at an hourly rate. This may cover, but is not limited to clients who wish advice on what they could do to improve a property, or to advise on the scope of works required for clients who are viewing properties for potential purchase.
