Do you have a drawing for us to price?

Each enquiry is different but 9 times out of 10, the first question we ask is: Do you have a drawing & some details of the works for us to price? In the absence of drawings & specifications it is difficult to give you an idea of price. Worse still, when comparing between builders, prices can differ greatly if not priced off the same plan/spec. Better to have a clear plan in place and something to present to builders for pricing, to ensure you are comparing like with like. For clarity and to set you in the right direction, we would suggest you start with getting scaled drawings prepared by an architect or designer and working through ideas. Our experience has shown, this gives clients greater confidence in the whole process, not just at the pricing stage.

Before asking for a builder’s price, what do you need?

In our experience at Sycamore, there are a few preparatory steps which save our clients a lot of hassle in the long run: A scaled drawing, a firm idea of what you would like priced and your own budget expectations. “You don’t want a design for something you can’t afford…” Hiring a professional like an architect or quantity surveyor is about “spending money to save money.” Before you speak to a bulder, an architect (or designer) should be the first port of call.

A complete guide to home renovation costs

“Instead of asking how much will it cost, you should ask how much can you spend.” From The Irish Times – Life & Style – Joanne Hunt – Thu, Apr 16, 2020.
Tailoring a renovation to our client’s budget is our specialty. It is beneficial to know what’s possible within a range rather than discussing ideas and expectations which may be unachievable once the bottom line becomes clear. It is refreshing to see this article distinguishing between market rates for new extension work and all the other costs which come into play once you alter an existing house.