Getting Quotations

Step 1

Draw up an initial shortlist of between 3 and 5 contractors and make an appointment with each one in turn to meet you on site.

Step 2

Give them a copy of your initial specification and go through it with them. Take notes, especially if they suggest any changes. Inform all the other potential contractors of any changes you make at this stage.

Never tell them what your budget is. Never say you want the job done as cheaply as possible. Never suggest that money is no object.

Step 3

Ask each contractor to submit a written quotation. Allow up to 28 days for a complicated job, but phone after a couple of weeks and ask how the quote is coming along. This sends a message that you're seriously interested in employing them and shows that you are not someone who lets things drift.

Step 4

Ask each contractor to itemise their costs. This will make it easier for you to see where your money is going, and it will help you agree on payment stages, once you have decided which contractor to employ.