Template for Request for Quote (Building / Renovations)

[s3pc1989]

Hi all,

We are soon to be needing to go out to builders to quote for reasonably significant renovations on a house. No extensions, but knocking down walls (load bearing and non), full rewiring, replumbing, windows, kitchen, bathrooms, some roofing, plastering etc etc. Level of spend that we feel demands a proper quotation process.

Can anyone recommend a template document that I could use to pull together the relevant information that contractors will need? Obviously recognise that they will also need to visit site to discuss.

I've compiled RFQ's in the corporate world plenty of times over the years but this is a new area for me.

Thanks for suggestions.

[037]

You'll struggle to get any prices without comprehensive drawings from an architect along with a Structural Engineers design

[s3pc1989]

Thanks, yes we have architect who is doing the drawings, floor plan etc and he has also done the structural beam calcs where required and will be submitting for building regs approval shortly. Hence looking to move the quoting stage early in the New Year and seeking a template.

[Plus4Four#]

Ask your architect.

[Lotobear]

You need a itemised schedule of work set out in trade order that the builder can then price to create a contract sum analysis, to include PC and provisional sums where necessary/appropriate.

This is usually done by your professional adviser (Architect / Surveyor) and takes some skill and experience to get right / make watertight. I am not aware of any online templates as every project is in essence bespoke.

You'd be well advised to pay an experienced professional to prepare it - a watertight schedule is central to a succesful project as the priced version creates a framework for assessing stage payments and valuing any variations.

[alscar]

Don't forget to mention to your Insurer when you go ahead as most policies have something in their t and c about it.

[Johnniem]

Lotobear said:

You need a itemised schedule of work set out in trade order that the builder can then price to create a contract sum analysis, to include PC and provisional sums where necessary/appropriate.

This is usually done by your professional adviser (Architect / Surveyor) and takes some skill and experience to get right / make watertight. I am not aware of any online templates as every project is in essence bespoke.

You'd be well advised to pay an experienced professional to prepare it - a watertight schedule is central to a succesful project as the priced version creates a framework for assessing stage payments and valuing any variations.

This is very sound advice Loto. I was going to add, for clarity, that an 'itemised schedule of work' means that you need to decide now, before you produce the schedule, exactly what finishes (floors, wall tiling etc) you require for whatever works you are doing OP.

Underfloor heating? Wall and floor tiles in the bathroom/s? Stainless steel power points etc? Data cabling? Light fittings? Worktops? Carpetting? Wallpaper? Be very specific otherwise the contractors will just price for the cheapest stuff in order to get the job.

Also be aware that any changes mid-works will likely increase costs.

I hope it all goes well!

JM

[s3pc1989]

Thanks all - some good pointers here. We have a meeting with the architect early in the New Year so will discuss in more detail then. Recognise that every development is different - but was thinking along the lines of template that listed by room what works were required (elec, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, sanitary etc etc + external, windows, fascias etc). I might pull something together in Excel if there's no template type docs around.
Thanks again for the pointers.

[Lotobear]

s3pc1989 said:

Thanks all - some good pointers here. We have a meeting with the architect early in the New Year so will discuss in more detail then. Recognise that every development is different - but was thinking along the lines of template that listed by room what works were required (elec, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, sanitary etc etc + external, windows, fascias etc). I might pull something together in Excel if there's no template type docs around.
Thanks again for the pointers.

What you are referring to there are often called 'room data' sheets - they can be useful for clarity but are not prepared for the purpose of pricing or contract management which is where a schedule of work is required (or a bill of quants on a larger project). Preparing the schedule on a 'trade order' basis assists the contractor in obtaining his sub contract prices and allocating costs accordingly.

[gangzoom]

s3pc1989 said:

Thanks all - some good pointers here. We have a meeting with the architect early in the New Year so will discuss in more detail then. Recognise that every development is different - but was thinking along the lines of template that listed by room what works were required (elec, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, sanitary etc etc + external, windows, fascias etc). I might pull something together in Excel if there's no template type docs around.
Thanks again for the pointers.

I think you are trying to plan things far too much.

My biggest lessons from our renovations is to expect the unexpected, ensure you build trust with your builder (assuming they are good/honest), and not too get too obsessed with micromanaging.

You can go down the itemise every item, measure every bit of paint down to the ml, but the reality is a good/seasoned builder will be able to give you quotes based on their experience without needing bill for your every nail.

Good luck, I personally really enjoyed our building/renovations project and cannot wait to do another one, but I know most people would rather not talk to another builder ever again post completion of works .