Did you have to pay to get an estimate on building your house

Question

We had a letter in earlier today stating that if we gave them £117.50 they would give us a full estimate on how much it would cost to build our house. Just seeing if its normal really.

Answer 1

I imagine that this is because they would be putting a lot of work in.

Ask them for an 'off the cuff estimate'. A minimum and maximum figure for the type and size of house. Go somewhere else if they can't be ars*d.

Answer 2

Builders or architects could give you an estimate - but it could be off by a long ways.  All of your choices inside are a large part of the cost.  But still, you can get an estimate based on square footage and basic material.  

You might want to check out the following page on building your dream home - it may give you more direction.  The entire website has lots of helpful info!

http://www.building-your-green-home.com/...

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

no its not normal, remember an estimate is what it says and not fixed. Get a fixed quote for the job !

Answer 4

I have been in construction all of my life....I have never heard of people charging for estimates..If they even mentioned it I would send them down the road...If you had them doing actual blueprints and architectural drawings..them maybe for the plans yes..but for an estimate no..