Extension cost

Agreed.

Wouldn't pay more than 60k. Ask for a complete breakdown and get three or four more prices in.

Do what for 15k?

Me, I'd do it bit by bit, not with one builder.

haha your funny l. Delusional

So 2k a square meter I have not seen anything that cheap in the last decade make sure you get references and go and see their work and do not pay a deposit and tell them you will pay as you go and you can pay for the materials yourself when they are delivered. Something doesn't add up here I would be overly vigilant.

got 28 square meter bedroom and tiny ensuite done 3 years ago for 28k. So yes, you got great price considering the inflation since then.

If you have the builder at a deficit until they complete then your always in control why would the situation I outlined not be sustainable. The person gets their build and then the builder gets paid and not the other way around

Would you not agree that the risk of a builder walking out on you as you outline is there regardless of if you pay first or if you ask them to start building first and your more in control of your finances than if you pay them first, if they quit half way through your not out of pocket as your not going to pay them if they are walking out on you and you at least still have your money in your pocket. As I pointed out to the poster make sure they do their due diligence I would get in volved with buying the materials and make sure you go looking at 3 or more of their previous jobs. I mean we have to stop and think the amount of money is mega for a build or an extension and people want a deposit now compare that to going for a meal you wouldnt go into a restaurant and pay without having your meal first as you could get sh1t and be out of pocket I dont know why this mentality is shown when its a couple of quid vs the price of an extension.

So is that not the UK from 2020 when we were hitting covid? Its hardly the same as Ireland in 2024 where we have not got enough builders to build what is needed

What I am suggesting is that the client pays as they go the builder usually gives an estimate of time say 5 weeks break the cost into days and the cost of materials when the builder does a full week/days work (you can manage it as granularly as you want) you pay them the appropriate amount then the client is not ever out of pocket and the builder will always have their costs met if you pay for the materials when the builder needs them. I did this with my extension and it worked out great for us there was a delay but the builder didn't get paid while not doing the job and it forced them to come back and do more every time before getting more cash. If a builder cant make a profit or work correctly in this country with the severe lack of trades people in construction and the amount of building needed then they should not be in the building game. Ireland has not got the conditions (currently) your talking about for suicide bidding to start there is no where near enough competition .

Once again is it not more of a risk to pay up front and then having to throw a dodgy builder off site as I say at least the cash is still in your pocket. Its not a personal choice its being smart do not pay up front for anything better to have you cash in your pocket and pay them as you see them doing the work

True and if they can work and then get paid in that order its better for the client. As I say the OP here seems to have got what I would consider a really good quote I mean really good and for me it set an alarm bell off so all I am saying to them is be careful check it all out , lots of reference and keep control of the financial side of things. It will be interesting to see if they got it completed for that price.

Then IMO you should go for it and best of luck let us know how you get on

Contractors price maybe, went direct labour 3 years ago now, got 242sqm bungalow all done a2 rated and furnished for less than 280k. Admittedly prices have gone up somewhat since 2021.

....

No architect, found house i liked driving around, found their planning application and designed similar, although in the end i had made lot of tweaks but was good starting point, includes engineer who took cash. Employ local and lads are less likely to cut corners as you will be meeting them and get recommendations if you dont know local trades people.

Nope didn't need nor want architectural drawings, waste of money. Engineer who done planning application had v detailed construction drawings in it that the roofer and builder were happy with to follow. Nope im in a multinational.

somewhat is right maybe 30/40%

You can definitely save money by doing as much as possible your self. But it's a bit unfair to simply look at it as "going with a contractor is extra money". The 280k (good job btw) you spent doesn't include your time. That value is significant for some.

Also it's easy to save money when you evading tax and playing loose with copyright and IP.