Forum Topic

Will builders visit property with a prospective buyer for renovation quote?

I was wondering if anyone could help with this random query.  I'm thinking about putting an offer in on a property in Acton, but it needs a massive amount of work (structural/renovations) and I'd really like to get a ballpark sense of what it might cost to get various bits of work done before I make an offer.Does anyone know any builders who would agree to pay a short (ideally unpaid) visit (to W3) to view the property with me as a prospective buyer with a view to being engaged to do the work if all goes through?I've no idea whether this would be common practice or unheard of - am a complete novice!Any help or contacts would be hugely appreciated.  Thank you!

Jo Wellman ● 4522d11 Comments

Hi Jo, I don't think it's unusual if you have a builder that thinks he'll likely get some work from it. Better that you get good advice than free advice. I'd find a builder who can show you his work and then perhaps offer to pay him for his time with a view to knocking any fee off the price if he gets the job. I can supply my builders details but I want to protect him to some degree too - time is money after all.Carl

Carl Tamboli ● 4522d

Thank you, Carl.  I understand a good builder is hard to find - I've just never been in a position to need to engage the services of one before, so don't really know where to start.

Jo Wellman ● 4522d

I did exactly the same when I purchased my property in Acton. Got a rough idea of the cost of work (and yes it was a complete refurb job) before I made the offer. In the end choose a different builder. Not un common practice. Issue though is with the property market as it is you will need to move quick as all and especially doer uppers are being snapped up within days

Peter Truesdale ● 4522d

We took our builder around before putting in an offer. I think it is an accepted practise and some have a fixed fee for this service.If you do this be sensitive if the vendor is present as they might not like hearing that you are going to rip up and change what has been their home. Our builder is very busy at the moment so no point in recommending him, I believe he is booked up till the end of summer.

Kim Rugg ● 4522d

Hi Jo. I have sent you an email with our details and we would be happy to come around and look at the property. Thank you. Isabelle

Isabelle Morley-Fletcher ● 4520d

Hi IsabelleHave only just seen this so apologies- I don't seem to have received your email. Address is jjwellman@hotmail.com and would love to hear from you. Jo

Jo Wellman ● 4517d

Hi Jo. So sorry about that. I have now emailed you again to your email address so hopefully you will have received it. Many Thanks. Isabelle

Isabelle Morley-Fletcher ● 4516d

It's a great idea to go round with a builder and work out exactly what needs doing and how much it might cost. I can recommend a brilliant builder who lives locally. He does free quotes ad gives a very accurate estimate of the cost of works. Alan from Buildup London - 07780476962Cheers

Michelle Hughes ● 4515d

Thank you to everyone for your help - it's been fantastic.

Jo Wellman ● 4514d