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Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 12:09 pm
by epriest
Hi folks,
Can someone explain to me why I can't seem to locate a builder/brickie in Scotland that's willing to provide a reasonable quote for work.
I have produced drawings (3d) detailing what I want, have provided measurements and have discussed with them all (5 so far) what is to be done.
On each occasion I have asked for a breakdown of the work.
To date all I have received back is a single sheet of A4 with a large number quoted with no breakdown of even materials vs labour ! 
Is this normal ????
I have had anything between £3.5K to £11.5k for construction of a wall and installation of steps in Natural sandstone.
Advice please.
Thanks
Eddie.
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 12:54 pm
by Rich H
Keep trying. It could be that it's too small for a building firm and too much hassle for self-employed brickie.
Why do you want a breakdown, though? I never understand the point. It doesn't cost any more either way.
You might consider trying a landscape contractor. They shouldn't be scared off by the detail, project management, groundworks, etc.
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 3:49 pm
by warnergrounds.co.uk
Hi Eddie
If you go to www.landscapejuice.ning.com and post your requirements there are landscapers on there in Scotland who should be able to quote for your job.
That is a huge variance in the quotes so far though! I would recommend you google for a wall cost estimator and pop your requirements in. That should give you an idea of what the likely costs of the build should be and give you some idea who is nearer the mark.
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 5:53 pm
by Pablo
Job for a Landscaper not a brickie as Rich says. Walls /steps and paving are our bread and butter. You're likely to get a better response from them aswell. I hate it when I get asked for a breakdown it means nothing and all that matters is the overall cost. Maybe stay away from that as it can put peoples backs up as it implies they are pulling a fly one. It also makes me feel that I may have trust issues with the client and they may try and screw me. Get at least 3 quotes compare them and ask all the quetions you want and you'll get a good response. Never such as thing as a stupid question either as long as you end up with what you wanted thats what matters to a contractor.
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 7:09 pm
by acechadwick
A good way to break it down is to ask approx how much the materials will cost and how long do they think it will take.
Subtract Total A from Total B and you will get an idea of what they charge for daily labour rate.
If it seems idiotic they are taking the proverbial. If it sounds a reasonable rate...there you go.
If it takes three men 4 days to dig a hole how many days will it take.....!
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 7:11 pm
by acechadwick
I appear to have been promoted from an apprentice to a digger.....I am honoured....no truly I am!
Posted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 9:25 pm
by Pablo
Congratulations now get back to work
Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 6:09 am
by seanandruby
acechadwick wrote:I appear to have been promoted from an apprentice to a digger.....I am honoured....no truly I am!
No more swerving the work now then., "Head down and arse up."
Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 6:41 am
by Dave_L
Yep, diggers only get a ten minute break at 10am and 20 mins for dinner.
Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:57 pm
by acechadwick
I hope you realise I am female so subsequently will not undertake any work that could jeopardise
a. my nails
b. my skin (working between noon and 3 pm in sunshine will coarsen the complexion
and that I will need time off to attend the gym (the evening sessions full of sweaty sted heads is a no no)
Also I draw the line at sporting any polo shirt with a firms logo on the back.
And I really think digging for 8 hrs straight with a measly 30 mins break is just plain excessive.
Do you have any other positions?
Oh well that's just plain rude!!!
Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 2:52 pm
by James.Q
Oh well that's just plain rude!!! 
oo er mrs
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:20 am
by Simsy
To be fair, speaking as a customer not a tradesman, a breakdown can be useful because it enables a fairer comparison between quotes...
For example, if two quotes for the same job come in at £8K and £5K it's difficult to know which way to turn... If however the same quotes were £6K materials with £2K labour, and £3K materials and £2K labour it can easily be seen that the difference is in the materials cost, and one can ask why... is it better materials, or just dearer materials, or is is cost cutting? does one have to hire in kit and the other not... It could make the difference between going for the dearer quote or not. It's not unreasonable when potentially spending thousands of pounds to be fully informed.
Regards,
Simsy
Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:56 am
by lutonlagerlout
i would be looking around £600 per thousand on straight walls and £900 per thousand for steps and curved walls,+ vat of course
with this level of spec i would go on recommendation regardless of price,if someone comes in cheap chances are they have mis priced it and will get in trouble
so I.E if i had quotes of 3k 6 k 7 k and 10 k i would lean towards the 6k or 7 k
if you get my drift...........
LLL 
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 11:33 pm
by Rich H
If the materials are spec'd the cost for them will be pretty much the same for all contractors. Likewise tools, I will include for plant and machinery whether I own it or hire it.