Hello everyone,
I have a question again.
How many quotes have you obtained, and how did you choose one?
We currently have two quotes. The floor plans are not 100% perfect in either, but overall we like both designs.
The designs differ in several ways. One is larger, the other has more windows... one builder includes a wooden staircase as standard, the other a steel-wood staircase; one has tiled entrance hall flooring, the other does not; sometimes the bathroom is tiled up to ceiling height, sometimes only halfway... one provides prices for extra sockets, the other does not, and so on.
I am really overwhelmed at the moment.
Is it okay to approach a builder with another builder’s design and ask for a quote based on that?
Thank you very much in advance and best regards!
I have a question again.
How many quotes have you obtained, and how did you choose one?
We currently have two quotes. The floor plans are not 100% perfect in either, but overall we like both designs.
The designs differ in several ways. One is larger, the other has more windows... one builder includes a wooden staircase as standard, the other a steel-wood staircase; one has tiled entrance hall flooring, the other does not; sometimes the bathroom is tiled up to ceiling height, sometimes only halfway... one provides prices for extra sockets, the other does not, and so on.
I am really overwhelmed at the moment.
Is it okay to approach a builder with another builder’s design and ask for a quote based on that?
Thank you very much in advance and best regards!
Katdreas schrieb:
Is it okay to go to a home builder and show them the design of another builder, asking for a quote based on that? As you can see, it is not only "okay," but actually necessary (otherwise you're comparing apples and oranges). Alternatively, you can set your own comparison benchmark: that means providing a design (not just the drawings, but also the scope of work and specifications) from which only very close and well-justified deviations are allowed.
However, in that case, you will likely receive fewer offers because preparing them becomes too time-consuming relative to the potential contract value.
On the other hand, a comparison offer where the seller can see which offer they are being compared with might even be welcomed.
You have essentially already calculated the competitor’s best-seller — at least if they are playing in the same league. This applies not only to brands like Ford and Opel but also to companies like Meierhaus and Müllerhaus.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Katdreas schrieb:
...
Is it okay to go to a builder and show them a design created by someone else and ask for a quote based on that?
Thank you in advance and best regards!Only if the design is freely available, for example online. Otherwise, copyright applies.
And yes, it is indeed a lot of detailed work to compare both scope of work specifications.
Often, the only option is to ask how much, for example, the other staircase would cost, etc.
But to be honest: you probably won’t find out everything. For instance, one builder will not tell you how much tiling higher up will cost; they will tell you that you’ll have to arrange that directly with the tiler because they do not offer that service themselves. Still, they should know the price of something like an electrical outlet... although you may get that cheaper later through an electrician.
In the end, you have to consider whether you need to know everything. Why care about a steel stringer staircase if you want a wooden staircase?
Make a list… check off what you actually want and then ask about items/prices that are not included in the written quotes.
Otherwise, you choose a builder also based on trust, not only because they are $1,000 or $5,000 cheaper.
Personally, I wouldn’t choose either provider because I believe that at a minimum, I should be offered an option at the same price or with a clearly stated surcharge everywhere.
Well, once we finally had a plot of land, we went to the first construction company and discussed our ideas and expectations. Some things were discouraged by them, while other suggestions were recommended...
At some point, we received the first draft. That’s when we realized what we liked and didn’t like. Then, the same company provided a second draft.
With a second construction company, we were already able to be more specific about what we wanted...
Anyway, we now have two drafts that are similar but by no means identical!
For both, we have detailed cost estimates and specifications of the construction services, but these cannot simply be compared side by side.
Assuming we work with one provider to refine the design until we are completely satisfied, can I then take that draft, the specification of services, and the cost estimate to a third provider and ask for an offer if they build exactly the same house for me?
One company does the entire planning work and consulting, and the other benefits because they can take over everything more easily? Is it really like that? Don’t the providers have “rights” to their work?
At some point, we received the first draft. That’s when we realized what we liked and didn’t like. Then, the same company provided a second draft.
With a second construction company, we were already able to be more specific about what we wanted...
Anyway, we now have two drafts that are similar but by no means identical!
For both, we have detailed cost estimates and specifications of the construction services, but these cannot simply be compared side by side.
Assuming we work with one provider to refine the design until we are completely satisfied, can I then take that draft, the specification of services, and the cost estimate to a third provider and ask for an offer if they build exactly the same house for me?
One company does the entire planning work and consulting, and the other benefits because they can take over everything more easily? Is it really like that? Don’t the providers have “rights” to their work?
Katdreas schrieb:
Definitely, we now have two designs that are similar but by no means identical! There are two options:
A) List the differences in a table, check off the better option in each case, and cross out the other. This way, a third "synthesis" design emerges, which then serves as the benchmark.
B) Ask provider X what house Y would cost with them, and vice versa.
Katdreas schrieb:
and then go to provider 3 and ask for an offer if they build me exactly that house??? No — approach providers 1, 2, and 3. Plopp, that means stop ;-)
Katdreas schrieb:
One does all the planning work / consulting, and the other has it easy because they can just take it over? Is that how it works? Don’t providers have “rights” to their work? Provider Y is not allowed to build using provider X’s plans just like that. But hypothetically asking them for the cost of a clone of that offer is a different matter.
When bluntly asking for a competing offer (assuming a Town & Country salesperson would immediately recognize a Heinz von Heiden house, likewise a Gussek house salesperson would recognize one from Viebrockhaus, and so on), there are three possible reactions:
1) Gladly—we want to steal the order from them.
2) We won’t stoop to their level; on closer inspection, our offer is much better.
3) No thanks, we don’t want bargain hunters as customers; our premium quality unfortunately comes at a price.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/