Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Jun 15, 2017 7:08 pm Hi I have been having all sorts of problems with a renovation we are wanting to undertake. We got our quote last year and then had issues with council approving the plans as their outdated info has us in a 1 in 100 year flood zone. Long story short it took council almost a year to finally give approval and now despite having a fixed price contract our builder has sent us another quote that is $30,000 more than the original. I know it has been a long time but 1 a lot of the issues were because of faults in the plans like missing measurements and 2 we gave authority to go ahead 11 months ago so I don't see how we should be punished. Does anyone know if this sounds normal? I really don't have an extra $30,000 to play around with. Re: Builder has increased our fixed price contract. 2Jun 15, 2017 7:38 pm clanwatson unfortunately if the works hasn't started and there were delays beyond the builders control he can ask for prices increases. Once you have signed building contracts it's in your interest to start work on site ASAP Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Builder has increased our fixed price contract. 3Jun 15, 2017 8:02 pm Thanks for the reply . When we started to have delays I tried to get them to start some of the stuff that didn't need council approval but they refused. If they'd done this it would have been far less extra cost than it is now. Re: Builder has increased our fixed price contract. 4Jun 15, 2017 8:20 pm clanwatson I saw similar tactics deployed by Builders during the perth building boom The majority just pay because they have so much money & time invested Try negotiating or alternatively walk away... Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Builder has increased our fixed price contract. 5Jun 15, 2017 9:37 pm Thanks for the reply. I have picked myself up and decided to walk away. I am in contact with a number of builders to get new quotes done and as I already have the DA approval there won't be any delays. Re: Builder has increased our fixed price contract. 6Jun 16, 2017 7:57 am clanwatson Good to hear What you don't want is to (1) pay extra and eventually get (2) overpriced rubbish and then find out (3) a year later your house is worth 20% less in a decreasing market ( perth experience) OT Here are some tips to avoid the triple whammy a.Own copyright on your plans b.Have your own engineering ie site, structural & energy c.Your designer/engineer should be able to give you accurate quantities & approx, costs etc based on the 3D model.. the whole process is automated d. Have a realistic expectation of labour rates ie, costs & constants e. The builder has to make a fair profit.. don't squeeze too hard... just make them sharpen their pencil f.Sign a fixed price contract with footings down in 30 days... g. Use your own 3D Model & Details to do site inspections.. remember to share the details on site... things can easily be fixed up before they are completed..having to go back to redo items is PITA for everyone ...Goodluck Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Thank you so much everyone. This all makes a lot of sense. I guess when you talk to a builder who butters up everything to look very polished, you get to start believing… 7 17616 So AFAIk the outcomes of the BAL ratings form part of a clause that allows them to pass these costs on to you. However the more relevant detail is how did it go from 19… 1 9165 Tradie may sit at home but will need to get house plastered as well or will you sit it out? 6 9972 |