When renovating, one of the best things we can do is get multiple quotes from different builders. This can be tricky to achieve for a couple of reasons, especially with the labour shortages seen in the construction industry in the current climate.
Here are three common challenges you might face when trying to follow this well known advice:
1. Inconsistent Briefs Lead to Varying Quotes Getting quotes from multiple builders means having multiple conversations, and it’s unlikely that any two of these discussions will be exactly the same. Even minor variations in how you describe your project can lead to each builder receiving a slightly different understanding of what you want, resulting in significant disparities in their quotes. To get accurate and comparable quotes, it’s crucial to ensure consistency across all discussions.
2. Miscommunication and Different Interpretations
Effective communication is crucial in any renovation project, but it’s not always straightforward. Even when we believe we’ve been clear, miscommunication can still occur because each person interprets information based on their own experiences and background. In the construction industry, this can lead to different interpretations of the same instructions or vision.
As a designer, I’ve learned that builders bring a wealth of experience and established methods to their work, which is incredibly valuable. However, this expertise can also mean that builders might have specific ways of interpreting instructions that differ from the client’s vision. It’s not about anyone being at fault—it’s simply a reality of how we all see things differently.
The key is to recognize this potential for differing interpretations and to take steps to clarify expectations as early as possible. Providing detailed drawings and specifications can help ensure that everyone has a shared understanding of the desired outcome. This way, we can work together to bring a vision to life without any surprises along the way
3. Builders are Overwhelmed with Work
Builders are struggling to find the time to quote new work. It’s not that they don’t want to, but they often physically don’t have the capacity, in personnel or time, to get on site to provide an estimate (especially if they know they may not get the job). With trades stretched to the max as they are, it’s no surprise that gathering multiple quotes is becoming more and more challenging.
So, How Can You Obtain Comparable Quotes?
The key is preparation and clear communication. Here’s how you can streamline the process and improve your chances of getting three comparable quotes, even in a competitive market:
Provide Detailed Information Upfront: The old adage that a picture paints a thousand words, while often seen as a cliché, cannot be understated. An accurate set of concept drawings, complete with layout, measurements, and specifications of selected products provides builders a way to visualise your renovation as you do, while also giving them a set of plans to work from.
Ensure Consistency in Your Requests: Presenting the same set of drawings and detailed specifications to each builder ensures that everyone is quoting based on the same information. This consistency makes it easier to compare quotes in terms of scope, size, and detail, helping you make a more informed decision.
Make Yourself an Attractive Client: By providing a comprehensive set of concept drawings, you’re making it easier for builders to provide an initial estimate without having to travel to site to do so. This preparation shows that you’re serious and organized, making YOU an attractive client and possibly putting you at the front of the queue with an A for effort!
With a little bit of preparation and clear communication, getting three comparable quotes is possible in today’s highly competitive building landscape.
Not only does this streamline the process, ultimately saving you time, but it also helps ensure you find the right builder for your project.
x Lauren
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