6 tips on comparing building quotes

It’s always very exciting to start a new building project - expectations and hope run high but doubt easily creep in. After research and referrals, you are now ready to get starter and request quotes from different suppliers Don't you wish all subcontractors worked off the same quoting template? Comparisons would be a walk in the park and confirmations would happen without the shadow of a doubt. 

This is not the case though and when taking up the onerous task of renovations, it feels like treading heavily on new territory.

The team at Cobute has put together this list to flag doubts, when comparing quotes for structural and concrete works.

1. Did you check the square meters?

It's easy to get the square meters wrong; ensure you are aware of your surface needs and ensure those are the same across the different quotes.

2. Did you consider transport costs?

When it comes to building, transport is not DIY and trucks will be needed. Transport can end up heavy on your budget, especially if the products are not transport-savvy i.e. stackable - ensure there is a line item for that across all the quotes.

3. To steel or not to steel

For structural renovations. you will need to make use of steel, as per your engineer’s design. Make sure the service providers know whether you want to buy it from them or not and check for consistency.

4. Confirm concrete consumption

Is the volume of concrete needed to be cast in-situ specified in the quotes? If not, ask for it - this is a very important item. The precast supplier might refer you to a concrete supplier directly;however, different precast systems have different concrete consumption so it is important that every supplier give you their estimated consumption.

5. Hidden costs

Carpentry and formwork costs are very often present in renovations when structural elements need to be cast. If these line items item is not are not in your quote, inquire about them.

 6. Time is money

Time is money is always true, especially during a building projects where delays are around every corner. Once you receive your quote, make sure you ask about the proposed timeline for delivery, installation and casting if it is required).

As a general rule, ensure that all quotes have the same items, so that you can compare them on fair ground. Also, take a few days to think about additional questions and doubts you want to clarify before going full steam ahead.

Do you have helpful tips you wish to contribute to the Cobute community? Send us your thoughts!