On Quoting

Quoting is all part of the process when building. It is good for us as the consumers and good for suppliers for competition. However I was unaware how harrowing it could be. I should know this as I spend much of my time tendering for contracts - some I get and some I don't. Disappointment always goes with the unsuccessful and jubilation with the successes. Hey but this is all part of the game.

However we have now been through the detailed quoting and decision making for the build, the windows, and PC items and have now started the tiles and kitchens. Builders quotes came down to 2 final bidders - Brent Caukwell from BC Build and Evan Graham from Evan Graham Building. We had other quotes but these were the two we were considering in detail. They both spent a huge amount of time on the quotes and discussing our needs. We know and appreciate how much time it takes. The final decision like most is down to price and quality (usually judged by previous work, reputation for workmanship and timing and references). We have made the decision to go with Brent because of price and quality. However I would highly recommend Evan to other potential builders.

Similarly with windows we had a number of quotes and narrowed it down to 2 - Langford Aluminium and Great Lakes Windows. Again both have spent a lot of time and effort in quoting and "selling" their company and products. Again it is down to price and quality - including after sales service. The decision has been Langford but again would recommend Great Lakes.  Decision about PC items came down really to the products we liked best and to the fact that Reece happened to be having a sale, which saved us about $1500 (and their floor staff at Kotara were very helpful). Now to tiles - quotes in from DiLorenzos tiles and waiting for Jacoba tiles at East Maitland. Have to say I was a bit concerned about the recent service at diLorenzos and their failure to provide quotes in the time they set. At this stage favouring Jacoba - impressed with staff and showroom but waiting quote but worried that selected tiles may be too dear.

Telling the unsuccessful quoters is very harrowing. I hate doing it. I know competition is good but I feel like I am letting them down. I need to toughen up ( or perhaps get some of the toughness displayed to Telstra at the weekend - I think they are getting worse not better and am now going to change to Optus)!

Demolition

It's down. Finally. After two weeks of promises and delays due to bad weather and other things Spero has delivered. The house is down. The block is clear and levelled. All stations ready to start Monday 1st November 2010!