Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Sep 20, 2011 11:25 am We're not strict OBs as we've got a builder doing the main framework and bulk of the construction, but all the trades and fitout etc are still up to us. I'm currently chatting with plumbers, and not sure which way to go. We're on a really tight budget, so any savings we can make are pretty important. I've had a quote come back around $18k from one guy, and another around $16.5k But another plumber was telling me if I really want to save money, I'm better off going with an hourly rate. He said it's always cheaper, as there is no buffer that has to be built in, and it's not like you're getting a discount for a big job as they just estimate and calculate it at their regular hourly rate anyway. The caveats are of course that you get a decent plumber who doesn't just waste your time and charge as he goes along, and this is also assuming nothing goes wrong. He said thats why people in general get quotes as they know what they are paying and it's not an unknown factor, and that the plumber is the one who takes on the risk, which of course they factor in anyway. The same guy told me, as a rough estimate, he would be allowing for our job $5-8k for the overall rough in, and then the fit out would depend on what we are doing and what taps are going in - so surely that wouldn't add up to $10k - or would it? Any experience or thoughts from anyone? And if I was to go with an hourly rate, do I go with the guy who is recommending the hourly rate - who does seem helpful and upfront - for $65 an hour? Or the first guy (who did come recommended), who said his hourly rate (when I asked) would be $88 but includes an apprentice? Thanks for any advice Re: Plumber - Hourly Rate or quote? 2Sep 20, 2011 12:57 pm Firstly, $65 per hour for a plumber doesn't sound as good as $88 for a plumber plus apprentice. Secondly, I would only go for an hourly rate for a plumber I had got to know and if I was available to be there during the work. For instance the plumber that did my house (as part of a building contract) and I are now on good terms and was there during the final stages helping out with drawings and anything else I could. If I wanted some more work (and I do) then I would be happy to have him by the hour and for me to be around. However, if that rapport is not established I would only go for three quotes and chose the one that is well priced and you feel confident with. Demolition August 2009, Construction Started September 2009, Completed December 2010 Re: Plumber - Hourly Rate or quote? 3Sep 23, 2011 3:59 pm If you can get a plumber to work for an hourly rate, go for it. Most good plumbers won't. If I was you just go for the fixed price with the materials included, less worry and chances of things to go wrong. Re: Plumber - Hourly Rate or quote? 4Sep 23, 2011 9:57 pm As a painter I preferred hourly rates. I used to tell my clients a rough price first, then convince them for the hourly rate and at the end of the day it was always cheaper on the hourly rate. They were happy and I never lost out. The problem with quoting is there is always the 'Unknown' that has to be factored in. Obviously I did not want to lose money on a job, so when quoting I always had to quote higher for this contingency, as would most trades people. The trouble with hourly rates is you have to have a tradie that comes with high recommendations and is a fast worker. If he is not booked out for months in advance he may try to string your job out and extend his payment. (I hope most people would be honest, but there are always the bad ones doing this somewhere) My advice would be to ask friends who they used, and how quick and to what standard the work was done, then make your decision from there. Re: Plumber - Hourly Rate or quote? 5Oct 09, 2011 9:32 pm you get what you pay for if you dont know how fast they work the $88 plumber could be slow but the $65 could be fast if un sure just stick with the quote (its safe) but as soon as you start changing things and you will the price changes i know if i have work done and i dont have a mate in the trade i go hr but i ride them lol also do remember that when you buy your pc's make sure everything is there ready to go if not they will have to come back and charge you just let the trades know about your problems they will help you on your way fitzy Ask yourself if the insurance company will be aware of the Reno. 4 7380 hey there! π so, itβs kinda common for standard drawer depths to be around 500mm since most cabinets use this size to fit the usual runners… 3 20920 I was being kind to the builder. With the amount charged for the upgrade the builder is probably charging closer to 100% margin. There are a few variables as I… 5 14323 |