Choosing builders

[6weekstobaby]

Hi All,
Now less than one week to baby and we are still deciding on builders for our bathroom/kitchen extension -renovation.(originally planned to have the job finished by now!)

Anyway, I'm after your comments on choice of builder:

We have two quotes for a 2-3 month job in Melbourne which involves extension and rebuild of kitchen and bathroom plus internal demolition-wall rebuild- supporting beams etc for around $80k. Other quotes were out of the ballpark.

The first is from a builder I feel comfortable with - nice guy, long term friend of a friend, does what he says-proactive (so far), easy to communicate with, v experienced, has committed to timeline but priced about 5% higher than the second guy.

Second guy, recommended through building surveyor, younger newer as solo builder, very loose on the detail (ie- admitted he'd lost my spec sheet when I asked him about inclusions so had assumed all in), hard to pin down on when he'll finish, 5-7% cheaper..fine with follow up but feels hard to clearly communicate with...

I would intuitively much prefer to go with the first, would be happy to pay a bit more but this seems more than a bit more....we've spoken with him and he has already made some reductions to price by standardising/hubby doing some demo.

What do you think, any pearls of wisdom-experience that might sway the decision - bear in mind i'm keen to have it complete ASAP.

Thanks.

[craigb]

Assuming his references check out, I'd go with the first bloke.

Given he's more experienced his cost estimates may be a bit more realistic.

Also, you have to be comfortable working with whoever you choose.

It's not always best to go with the cheapest quote imo.

[JDub]

Go with the first guy. :)

The second guy lost your sheet etc before he even got the nod.... dont fancy him being reliable and on the ball once he has you locked in.

[6weekstobaby]

thanks guys, that confirms my thinking

Hate to admit this, but apart from the initial reference (ie. our friend for one builder and the surveyor for the other), I haven't seen the work of either, or talked with any of their clients.....I have had this background feeling that it might lead to future problems..

[Jacksin]

For your own peace of mind I would ask to see at least 2 of the first blokes jobs and ask the clients if they are happy and also check out his licence status.

[Daddles]

One thing to remember - by the time you've finished the job, you'll hate your builder. Your friendship might be strong enough to withstand that, but having suffered two house extensions, I agree with the first builder who warned me that this would happen :(

Richard

[craigb]

One thing to remember - by the time you've finished the job, you'll hate your builder.

This is pretty true.

Probably because you and your builder have different objectives.