What’s included in your builder's price (or excluded)

Don't be faced with unexpected additional home building project costs 

Image courtesy of TAW4 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you receive prices from your contractors it's important to check their prices. A couple of weeks ago we discussed important considerations when checking your contractor's price​. 
It’s important to check what each contractor has included or excluded in their price. A contractor may be cheaper than another’s price because they haven’t priced all items included in the other price. Check whether these items are included:

• Clearing and levelling the project site and removing vegetation and excess material from the property.
• Construction of driveways.
• Landscaping.
• Property boundary fencing.
• Garden irrigation.
• Appliances in the house, such as ovens and cooking tops.
• Air-conditioning.
• Preparation of drawings.
• Obtaining permits and permissions from the local authorities.
• Connection of the utilities of the new house to the street utilities.
• Security systems.
• Cupboards and cabinetry. The extent, internal layout and their materials.

But even the type and quality of floor tiles, carpets, windows, light fixtures, tap-ware, bathroom fixtures, doors, door handles and locks, cabinetry and cupboards and counter tops can vary hugely, impacting the price.
Some contractors can include unreasonable provisional sums and prime cost items (which I'll discuss in future articles) which are far too low, meaning that their price will inevitably increase before your home is complete.
Of course, some contractors may have included for items which you don't want, or perhaps you intend to do the work your self, or employ another contractor to do the work. Don't pay for items that you don't want or need. Ask the contractor to exclude the items you don't want and adjust their price down accordingly.
​Remember your builder's price might not be the bargain you think it is. Don't be caught by surprise when you receive bills for items that you thought were included in the contractor's price - items which may have been included in other contractors' prices.

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​This is an extract from my new book 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses: Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home' which also contains lots more valuable information to save you money and ensure that your home build or renovation project is a success. Click on the image to read a preview on Amazon. The book is available in paper or ebook form from Amazon and other online stores, or ask your local bookstore to order a copy for you. For tips on designing your new house as well as renovation ideas read Volume 2 - Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home 
​© 2019 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.

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