Just got the final quote from registered master builder we 'selected' on basis of confirmed estimate based on the builder seeing the place we're extending and seeing the approved council plans.
Price has leapt from 244K to 380K in a few months.
I can understand about 30K of the difference due to different footings needed (more steel), aircons and complex plumbing... but the estimates for things that should have stayed similar such as cladding, painting, internal walling, demolition etc have all gone up heaps too.
Lesson one, do not kick tenant out without cast iron quote!
Now questions...
Is this usual?
WTF?
Is it worth going back to builders who gave us similar, but slightly higher, initial estimates for actual contracts... or are they all going to come back similar?
Is there anyone I can complain to (not to seek legal redress but just as an ethical complaint)?
Now what to do? My first inclination is to re-let the place for six months to provide breathing room to get alternative quotes and re-do all maths.
Gaaaaah. BTW, the job is extension of 2br Vic single front brick terrace to two storeys, 4 bed, 3 bath. Site access is problematic so a lot of the work will need to be done by hand.
Price has leapt from 244K to 380K in a few months.
I can understand about 30K of the difference due to different footings needed (more steel), aircons and complex plumbing... but the estimates for things that should have stayed similar such as cladding, painting, internal walling, demolition etc have all gone up heaps too.
Lesson one, do not kick tenant out without cast iron quote!
Now questions...
Is this usual?
WTF?
Is it worth going back to builders who gave us similar, but slightly higher, initial estimates for actual contracts... or are they all going to come back similar?
Is there anyone I can complain to (not to seek legal redress but just as an ethical complaint)?
Now what to do? My first inclination is to re-let the place for six months to provide breathing room to get alternative quotes and re-do all maths.
Gaaaaah. BTW, the job is extension of 2br Vic single front brick terrace to two storeys, 4 bed, 3 bath. Site access is problematic so a lot of the work will need to be done by hand.