ᐅ Costs for Quantity Surveying by Developer / Self-Purchase / Materials / Installation – Is this correct?
Created on: 12 Aug 2016 21:21
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Mizit
We would like to ask for your opinion, as we are unsure whether we might be mistaken.
Regarding the bathroom, we would, on the one hand, upgrade the washbasin. The double vanity unit, which we really like, would, however, be charged by our preferred house provider at almost 1,100 euros extra. This is in addition to the standard price, which already includes a washbasin from Villeroy & Boch.
Now, I found exactly the same vanity unit online for 450-650 euros. That’s still more than 600 euros less... I don’t yet understand why it is about 200 euros cheaper in one online store compared to another, but anyway. These online prices, of course, do not include installation.
But is the installation of a washbasin really so difficult and time-consuming that it justifies a difference of about 500 euros compared to the price for a private customer purchase?
Another example: a rain shower, meaning a fixed overhead shower head. This would also cost us nearly 1,000 euros extra on top of the standard price. Online, I find prices around 200-300 euros... so about 750 euros less, also excluding installation. But is such a shower system really that complicated to install?!
Regarding the bathroom, we would, on the one hand, upgrade the washbasin. The double vanity unit, which we really like, would, however, be charged by our preferred house provider at almost 1,100 euros extra. This is in addition to the standard price, which already includes a washbasin from Villeroy & Boch.
Now, I found exactly the same vanity unit online for 450-650 euros. That’s still more than 600 euros less... I don’t yet understand why it is about 200 euros cheaper in one online store compared to another, but anyway. These online prices, of course, do not include installation.
But is the installation of a washbasin really so difficult and time-consuming that it justifies a difference of about 500 euros compared to the price for a private customer purchase?
Another example: a rain shower, meaning a fixed overhead shower head. This would also cost us nearly 1,000 euros extra on top of the standard price. Online, I find prices around 200-300 euros... so about 750 euros less, also excluding installation. But is such a shower system really that complicated to install?!
Yes, companies usually make a disproportionately high profit, especially from the encouragement to buy. Sometimes this is a mixed calculation to allow for a low entry price; other times it borders on exploitation because once the contract is signed, you have few alternatives.
Many items can be purchased quite cheaply online. However, as already mentioned, all the connecting parts and other accessories are missing. Although you do get assistance with these, the prices are quickly forgotten, and if you accidentally forget a part, it becomes frustrating during installation when everything must be stopped. Additionally, it is very difficult to find a plumber or installer who will install materials you have sourced yourself. Of course, they don’t know where the items come from or what the quality is like, and usually, they also earn a commission on the procurement.
Everything that needs to be sealed, such as showers and bathtubs, should be left to the professionals. Other things like toilets, washbasins, etc., can be done by yourself if you have the necessary knowledge. This is basically not rocket science, BUT you do need to know how and what to pay attention to. Also, my predecessors are right—the warranty should not be underestimated. Damage in this area is not common, but if it happens, it is usually very costly.
Many items can be purchased quite cheaply online. However, as already mentioned, all the connecting parts and other accessories are missing. Although you do get assistance with these, the prices are quickly forgotten, and if you accidentally forget a part, it becomes frustrating during installation when everything must be stopped. Additionally, it is very difficult to find a plumber or installer who will install materials you have sourced yourself. Of course, they don’t know where the items come from or what the quality is like, and usually, they also earn a commission on the procurement.
Everything that needs to be sealed, such as showers and bathtubs, should be left to the professionals. Other things like toilets, washbasins, etc., can be done by yourself if you have the necessary knowledge. This is basically not rocket science, BUT you do need to know how and what to pay attention to. Also, my predecessors are right—the warranty should not be underestimated. Damage in this area is not common, but if it happens, it is usually very costly.
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Sebastian7913 Aug 2016 08:27Hanging a standard toilet bowl is usually not a problem.
However, the new models with concealed mounting are a bit more challenging. In addition, it needs to be properly supported and not subjected to uneven pressure on the wall.
I do a lot of work myself, but I don’t install sanitary fixtures—not because of warranty issues, which mostly didn’t concern me during construction—but because it needs to be done correctly right away, and I don’t want the hassle. A professional plumber can usually do it much faster.
In the end, this is one of those compromises you have to accept if you want everything from a single source at a fixed price—this often only works through the more expensive selection process.
However, the new models with concealed mounting are a bit more challenging. In addition, it needs to be properly supported and not subjected to uneven pressure on the wall.
I do a lot of work myself, but I don’t install sanitary fixtures—not because of warranty issues, which mostly didn’t concern me during construction—but because it needs to be done correctly right away, and I don’t want the hassle. A professional plumber can usually do it much faster.
In the end, this is one of those compromises you have to accept if you want everything from a single source at a fixed price—this often only works through the more expensive selection process.
We went to a specialty retailer for a quote, and they explained the process to us. The standard package is advertised and offered by the plumbing company at very low prices. Then, to balance this out, the highest price is charged for all special requests. On top of that, the builder adds a 10% handling fee. As a customer, you are in a take-it-or-leave-it position because many things can no longer be changed afterwards. It is best to factor everything in beforehand so that everyone is satisfied...
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Donnerknall13 Aug 2016 10:23The reason why the craftsman charges so much more and the online retailer much less is quite simple. The online retailer sources directly from the manufacturer and sells to the customer. In most cases, the craftsman cannot do this and must buy from the wholesaler, who in turn buys from the manufacturer. So there is one more link in the chain that wants to make a profit. However, this is only one of many factors.
The craftsman usually has special conditions for a series at the wholesaler, for developers or general contractors, simply to remain competitive. These are significantly cheaper than the regular purchase price. If the end customer wants something that deviates from this series, the surcharge is naturally much higher. Because the craftsman can only apply the special condition price or calculate further based on his normal conditions.
In most cases, for example, a rain shower head is not included in the bill of quantities (BOQ). This means it is a complete additional cost without any credit. But since a rain shower head and a shower arm alone are not enough, this should be clear. This is also the point where the online retailer stops dealing with you. They cannot sell you any more. The pipe from the lever mixer to the connection for the rain shower head also needs to be installed. And here the installation time can vary significantly, depending on the requirements. Then a different lever mixer is needed because the standard shower mixer is designed for only one outlet. So a bathtub mixer is required, which allows for two outlets. In the end, the additional cost is much higher than with the online retailer. Depending on how the installer includes this in the surcharge offer, it only looks like you are just getting the rain shower head.
Your example with the double washbasin: according to the price list, a double washbasin costs three times as much as two singles. Many underestimate this and think it should actually be cheaper because it is only one large washbasin.
Best regards
The craftsman usually has special conditions for a series at the wholesaler, for developers or general contractors, simply to remain competitive. These are significantly cheaper than the regular purchase price. If the end customer wants something that deviates from this series, the surcharge is naturally much higher. Because the craftsman can only apply the special condition price or calculate further based on his normal conditions.
In most cases, for example, a rain shower head is not included in the bill of quantities (BOQ). This means it is a complete additional cost without any credit. But since a rain shower head and a shower arm alone are not enough, this should be clear. This is also the point where the online retailer stops dealing with you. They cannot sell you any more. The pipe from the lever mixer to the connection for the rain shower head also needs to be installed. And here the installation time can vary significantly, depending on the requirements. Then a different lever mixer is needed because the standard shower mixer is designed for only one outlet. So a bathtub mixer is required, which allows for two outlets. In the end, the additional cost is much higher than with the online retailer. Depending on how the installer includes this in the surcharge offer, it only looks like you are just getting the rain shower head.
Your example with the double washbasin: according to the price list, a double washbasin costs three times as much as two singles. Many underestimate this and think it should actually be cheaper because it is only one large washbasin.
Best regards
It is understandable that buying directly from the craftsman is more expensive than purchasing online. However, the gap between the purchase prices and what the builder charges seemed huge to me. Especially when you consider that a sink or shower system is already included as standard, which is then removed, and an additional 1,000 euros (approximately 1,100 US dollars) is added on top of that price.
We don’t know which individual parts are needed for installation or their costs, but a difference of around 1,000 euros (approximately 1,100 US dollars) in profit seems very high to me. Don’t you think so? Profit is understandable, but isn’t this rather excessive? Maybe we are mistaken?
We don’t know which individual parts are needed for installation or their costs, but a difference of around 1,000 euros (approximately 1,100 US dollars) in profit seems very high to me. Don’t you think so? Profit is understandable, but isn’t this rather excessive? Maybe we are mistaken?
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