Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Dec 17, 2008 7:09 pm Hi, as I look at my quotes given to me by various subbies, they leave things out. Structural engineer did this. Now I can see that others are also doing this. For example, the plumbers quote at the end says: Water tanks - grates by others, Gutter - down pipes - by others, All fees - by others. Also, what does "all fees" mean?
The excavator/demolition subbie: I asked him for a complete home + detached garage demolition + excavation for both. I did go to the business address and when I had a talk with him, I definitely said "garage too". His returned email gave me the quote, but he didn't mention "garage", only "home". How can I find out if the garage is included in the quote without tipping him off that I don't know? Also, when they give me the written quotes, how can I tell if it is "complete", i.e with everything included and nothing left out? The owner builder manual is good, but the problem with it is it does not have indepth detailed info. Basically I don't want any fancy items, I just want to stick to the basic essentials and at the same time try to reduce bills. I also must install the required things according to the basix certificate (vents & solartube), council: (rainwater tank) etc. The only extras I would probably like is the standalone electricity grid (I will decide after I work out the total cost construction estimate). It is definitely worth getting as electrical companies raise the charges constantly (much like telstra) + their service charge is high. Plus maybe bore water (not that expensive to get or use as the pump doesn't look like it uses a lot of electricity). Is there a website that has this info, i.e. what each contractor usually does (in point form)? Re: How do I get the subbies to give out complete quotes? 2Dec 17, 2008 7:14 pm Simple. You've requested a quote. They've given you a quote. When you accept the quote put everything in the request(which will be in writing). That is, include the garage and anything else. The request is the authorisation to proceed so put everything into it. If you've discussed it or expect it put it in the one document. Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Re: How do I get the subbies to give out complete quotes? 4Dec 18, 2008 7:54 am This exact issue came up in my building course.
Technically if they dont include things in the quote but youhave asked for it, it becames there responsbility. However this presents two issues. 1. No one can force any trademens to work 2. how do yo prove it?? I started doing a few things to combat this issue. 1. Create purchase orders and on exceptance provide them with the purchase order to which you put the extra details and price then you sign it off. If there is an issue they should come back to you in theory. In the purchase order i also put things like the date at which the work need to be completed by. I tired this with my land survoyer and so far he has been the only person who has done the job early. 2. Dont ask for a quote to "knock down the house." Make sure you use the words "clear the block read yto build new house". Or you can also provide a site plan and highlight what need to be cleared. Remeber this is not a perfrect solution i still have issues. Re: How do I get the subbies to give out complete quotes? 5Dec 18, 2008 11:24 am orange By "request" do you mean the contract? Quote, Purchase Order or whatever you use (in writing) to commision someone. Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Depends how much direct sun it gets. Is there any shading (eaves or trees)? If the sun hits a window directly it doesn't matter too much if it's double or single… 1 12671 9 24816 Congratulations! Nice to put that to bed before christmas, now you can relax 3 7185 |