[Misc] Building advice needed please

[CAPTAIN GREALISH]

We had the chimney taken off the roof and out of the loft space when the loft was converted, we just ran out of money to take it out of all the rooms. Wish we'd found the cash for the rest of the chimneys at the time as it would have been much cheaper.

Our friends had similar done with a bit less demolition for £1500 a few years ago so £2800 is much more what I expected / hoped for.

Would I save much money by doing the demolition and rubble removal of the chimney breasts myself? It would leave the knock through, steel and plastering.

yes of course !!!!

 

[Baldseagull]

We had the chimney taken off the roof and out of the loft space when the loft was converted, we just ran out of money to take it out of all the rooms. Wish we'd found the cash for the rest of the chimneys at the time as it would have been much cheaper.

Our friends had similar done with a bit less demolition for £1500 a few years ago so £2800 is much more what I expected / hoped for.

Would I save much money by doing the demolition and rubble removal of the chimney breasts myself? It would leave the knock through, steel and plastering.

Wages are a bit up in building last year or two, doubled in some areas.

 

[hitony]

As a very experienced builder (ex Bricklayer now in my 31st year of senior management) get 3 quotes and ensure the quotes are specifying EXACTLY what you require.

Pay nothing upfront, agree any stage payment (if it is indeed even necessary on a job such as this) Recommendations are very good, but ensure they are genuine (i'm sure all the ones on here are ) 3 quotes are paramount, and cheapest is not always the best option!

Most of all, ensure any agreements are in writing..........trust is great............till it goes wrong!!! ............apart from that......Good Luck

 

[Merdalfthewizard]

As a very experienced builder (ex Bricklayer now in my 31st year of senior management) get 3 quotes and ensure the quotes are specifying EXACTLY what you require.

Pay nothing upfront, agree any stage payment (if it is indeed even necessary on a job such as this) Recommendations are very good, but ensure they are genuine (i'm sure all the ones on here are ) 3 quotes are paramount, and cheapest is not always the best option!

Most of all, ensure any agreements are in writing..........trust is great............till it goes wrong!!! ............apart from that......Good Luck

You used to be able to download small works contracts for free on the FMB site, ideal for this kind of work

 

[mothy]

I would say 600 to 1200 per chimney

2K for steel

120 to 300 for plastering & same for floor

 

[hitony]

I would say 600 to 1200 per chimney

2K for steel

120 to 300 for plastering & same for floor

It is absolutely impossible to give ANY FORM OF A QUOTE without seeing the works in hand and doing a proper estimate of 1) specification of works required 2) materials required 3) labour requirements 4) plant requirements etc etc

I know a smallish company that did a quote for some external works via google earth........they lost circa £6000 on the whole job! ..........sadly for them google earth did not let them see the back of the property (and other detail) .........I accept that whole concept is pure madness, but it's true, sometimes people will cut corners to try and save a few quid / time, but sadly on this occasion for the company concerned, but extremely good for the customer, a contract was in place...........end result........the job did get completed to an acceptable standard and at no loss to the paying customer.

 

[Deleted member 2719]

As a very experienced builder (ex Bricklayer now in my 31st year of senior management) get 3 quotes and ensure the quotes are specifying EXACTLY what you require.

Pay nothing upfront, agree any stage payment (if it is indeed even necessary on a job such as this) Recommendations are very good, but ensure they are genuine (i'm sure all the ones on here are ) 3 quotes are paramount, and cheapest is not always the best option!

Most of all, ensure any agreements are in writing..........trust is great............till it goes wrong!!! ............apart from that......Good Luck

We have had just got three quotes for some windows plus brick work. It's amazing how builders all have different ideas! Not sure if its to suit them or they believe it's the best for the customer!
Now we are just wondering whether their two week start date is realistic or not.
The downside is the builder we have gone for is a Pompey fan, should I wait to give out the banter when he has taken his cement mixer away?!!

 

[mothy]

It is absolutely impossible to give ANY FORM OF A QUOTE without seeing the works in hand and doing a proper estimate of 1) specification of works required 2) materials required 3) labour requirements 4) plant requirements etc etc

I know a smallish company that did a quote for some external works via google earth........they lost circa £6000 on the whole job! ..........sadly for them google earth did not let them see the back of the property (and other detail) .........I accept that whole concept is pure madness, but it's true, sometimes people will cut corners to try and save a few quid / time, but sadly on this occasion for the company concerned, but extremely good for the customer, a contract was in place...........end result........the job did get completed to an acceptable standard and at no loss to the paying customer.

I'm not quoting. I'm estimating what I think it should cost - yes without having seen it - but there aren't any pics

600 is very cheap for a chimney..

 

[bhawoddy]

Happy to meet up, go through the works, and give you a price.......

Please feel free to Message me.

 

[Biancazzurro]

Thanks for all of the advice, it has definitely helped. The first thing I am going to do is get all the people who have quoted so far to supply a full breakdown of the price - they'd just given a headline number at the moment.

 

[Goldstone1976]

Thanks for all of the advice, it has definitely helped. The first thing I am going to do is get all the people who have quoted so far to supply a full breakdown of the price - they'd just given a headline number at the moment.

None of my business, of course, but having asked for advice from builders on here regarding a price for a job, and having received both advice and offers to quote for the work, it might be an idea to let a couple of the guys who indicated they'd like to quote do so? Good luck with getting the work done!

 

[Biancazzurro]

None of my business, of course, but having asked for advice from builders on here regarding a price for a job, and having received both advice and offers to quote for the work, it might be an idea to let a couple of the guys who indicated they'd like to quote do so? Good luck with getting the work done!

Yep that's the plan. Already replied to Captain Grealish's PM and will get in touch with the others.