Before you approach a builder for a quote, ensure your plans and specifications are complete and clear. This way each builder is quoting on exactly the same job. However if the plans and technical details have not yet received all of the necessary approvals from the local authorities, alterations to the plans may be required.
Always ask the builder to provide you with an itemised quote. This will allow you to compare prices and also to detail any prime cost items such as sanitary ware, tiles, white goods or carpets.
Ascertain with the builder whether the cost of fixtures and fittings shown on the plans and specifications are included in the price.
The builder should visit your building site to clarify what extras may be required to address the particular site conditions.
Such extras may include:
• a surcharge for building outside of the builder's normal geographical area
• site access problems for delivery of materials
• unusual footings
• extra long connections to drainage, water service or electricity
• engineering fees
• rock excavation
• drilling under roads for service connections
• clearances for overhead services
• special requirements to cover Occupational Heath Safety and Welfare and/or Environmental legislation.
A builder may be unable to provide an exact quote for these extra items. At the very least, a realistic provisional allowance should be included in the final quote.
You should be satisfied that you know exactly what is included in the quote.
Be wary of extremely low quotes as well as very high quotes. A very cheap quote could indicate that the builder is inexperienced, desperate for work or has left out certain items. Make sure you study all quotes carefully to check that all items you have requested are included.
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Information on copyright for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=60
Disclaimer
Information on the disclaimer for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=61
Privacy
The South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information, consistent with the South Australian Government's Information Privacy Principles. If you would like to view the full privacy statement please visit: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/privacy.html
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