Spread of costs from tenders for new build?

Educate

Curious if anyone who has put out their one-off house to tender could share how much of a spread of quotes they received back from builders?

We're in the process of finalising the house design with the architect and we're torn about one area of the house that is ~20m2. Approximate m2 costs we're told will mean this section will be in the region of over €40k and it pushes our budget out. We're tempted to leave it off and build it in 5+ years when our jobs are in better shape.

However, family build a house about 5 years ago, and they mentioned the tender quotes they received were up to €100k different for the same build. So we're torn on removing this section because if we put it out to tender and get such variance in price, it could turn out that we might have afforded this extra room now, rather than waiting 5+ years to add it.

Does there tend to be much variance in tender quotes for house builds? The house will be approx 210m2 (or 230m2 if we add that extra room).

FJMC

Spread of quotes can be crazy sometimes - depending on how busy contractors are, the desirability of the work, etc. - and often who makes a big mistake in pricing!

You could put everything in your tender and then omit or change spec to suit on various items / parts of the work - it is almost a part of the process now - and sometimes easier when you may have identified a preferred contractor at that stage.

F

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058300341/spread-of-costs-from-tenders-for-new-build

There is sometimes a lot of variance, other times, none at all. Multiple reasons why. But don't need to rely on a spread of prices here tbh.

But the tender out including the 20sqm area. Include a request to list the costs separately for that item. That way you get to assess 3 tenders, each with 2 prices (one with and one without the area).

With all that information, make you decision if its within budget. Go to the preferred contractor and sign him up with the 20sqm area in or out as required.

Tefral

Just get the 20m2 section put as a part 2 to the BOQ, there are some overlaps on foundations and roofs etc but you could discount that for the purpose of getting a price.

Then if you cannot afford it you can just not proceed with that part of the price and it will save you going back over your drawings.