Hello,
we have now received our second quote for the foundation slab. This one includes an additional cost of €11,000 (this included the soil survey). According to the construction contract, we signed an offer for €16,500 for the foundation slab.
Now we are facing significant extra costs. How can I have these costs reviewed? The foundation slab company works closely with the prefab house supplier. Therefore, I have no option to obtain other quotes, as this would void the warranty for the house construction.
we have now received our second quote for the foundation slab. This one includes an additional cost of €11,000 (this included the soil survey). According to the construction contract, we signed an offer for €16,500 for the foundation slab.
Now we are facing significant extra costs. How can I have these costs reviewed? The foundation slab company works closely with the prefab house supplier. Therefore, I have no option to obtain other quotes, as this would void the warranty for the house construction.
I’m guessing this is the most common mistake of all.
A soil survey before signing the contract!? I don’t need one, it’s already included in the builder’s offer. And the slab costs €16,500 (about $17,800)...
I bet it says something like: “assuming the following soil conditions...” and “level ground.”
Now, a survey was done before construction started. The results showed conditions that were very different from the builder’s assumptions. This nearly doubled the costs.
A builder’s offer always assumes “no groundwater,” “bone dry,” and “flat and even.” Anything different from that can only increase the price.
All you can do is repeat: get a soil survey done before signing, even if it costs €1,000 (about $1,080), and have the contract checked by an expert. Also, hire external construction supervision during the build. It costs money, but in today’s environment of “botched work and getting taken advantage of,” it’s money well spent.
A soil survey before signing the contract!? I don’t need one, it’s already included in the builder’s offer. And the slab costs €16,500 (about $17,800)...
I bet it says something like: “assuming the following soil conditions...” and “level ground.”
Now, a survey was done before construction started. The results showed conditions that were very different from the builder’s assumptions. This nearly doubled the costs.
A builder’s offer always assumes “no groundwater,” “bone dry,” and “flat and even.” Anything different from that can only increase the price.
All you can do is repeat: get a soil survey done before signing, even if it costs €1,000 (about $1,080), and have the contract checked by an expert. Also, hire external construction supervision during the build. It costs money, but in today’s environment of “botched work and getting taken advantage of,” it’s money well spent.
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