major extention time

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Hi All

New to this site but have found many interesting posts.
Currently moving fast to organise a major extention on my property.
Planning consent, Building Regs, and party wall agreements all in place.
Builders quotes have come in (last year) but know that this will increase due to vat increase. Project will last up to 8 months and we will move out of the house better for all concerned !Currently just 'fighting' with Thames Water to connect to mains drainage.
Never been involved in this sort of building work before so my question is (1)is there mileage in going back to the builders to renagotiate prices (house prices in my area have taken a small dive-only a small one and is builders work as plentiful as say 1 year ago) We are located in Surrey.
Help on this would be much appreciated as the thought of this project is giving me sleepless nights.

[Kaz]

Hi

You could always get a quote from a builder who is not VAT registered and save yourself 20% straightaway!

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Current extention costs are circa 120k to 200k in quotes (with the VAT) and i am not sure if a long standing builder who only generates income of under the Tax threashold would be a safe bet. Again my nieveness to all this massive.Not to say they couldnt but would worry if they are more of a general handyman than a builder ?Quotes have been obtained for some of these builders with interesting results.

would love to save 20% of the building cost vote for tax abolishion on extentions

[Kaz]

I've tried several times to edit/delete this post as I hadn't read your post properly

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yes i think you are correct but it sounds ridiculous however at £64k wouldnt buy a 1 bedroom flat around here and builders are looking to max profits (dont blame them)I often thought about getting a builder from outside the area buying a caravan or 2 and letting them get on with it, however wont know standard of work well, could do a runner off site and would be a nightmare to get them to come back with a half finished job

[tony keller]

Call me old fasioned but if you have accepted the builders quote, you have a contract and unless there are agreed changes to the scope of the work or some unforseen factors appear, you are legally bound. In my experience, as you drive the builders quote down so too will the quality. If you end up with a badly built building you really will have sleepless nights. I have project managed many projects and the trick is a good scheme (design) good set of plans, a good builder ( recommended and vetted), a proper tender process and then stick with it. Dont change the design and do not mess the builder around. Hard advice but heartfelt. Good luck