What Happens During a Builder's Site Visit and Quote?

You've decided you need an extension, loft conversion, or renovation. You've found a builder who seems reputable. Now they want to visit your property to provide a quote. If you've never been through this process before, you might not know what to expect, how long it takes, or what you should prepare.

After 13 years of providing quotes across Hull, we've learnt that homeowners feel more comfortable when they know what's happening and why. Here's what actually happens during a site visit and how we turn that into an accurate, detailed quote.

Before the Visit

When you first contact us, we'll ask some basic questions over the phone or email. What type of work are you considering? Roughly what size? Any specific requirements or concerns? This helps us understand whether we're the right builders for your project and gives us a starting point for the site visit.

We'll arrange a time that suits you, usually taking about an hour depending on project complexity. You don't need to tidy up or prepare extensively, but having any relevant documents handy helps: existing plans, planning permissions, building control certificates from previous work, or survey reports if you have them.

The Initial Discussion

We start by listening to what you want. What problems are you trying to solve? How do you want to use the new space? What's your rough budget? This conversation matters because there's often a gap between what people initially think they want and what will actually work best for their property and lifestyle.

We'll ask questions about your daily routines, family size, future plans, and how you currently use your home. This isn't nosiness: it's about designing work that genuinely improves how you live rather than just adding square footage. An extension that looks good on paper but doesn't suit how you actually use your home is a waste of money.

Measuring and Assessing

We'll measure the relevant areas carefully, both inside and outside. For extensions in Hull, we need to know the exact dimensions, boundary positions, and how the new work relates to existing structures. For loft conversions, roof height, pitch, and internal configurations matter enormously.

We'll take photos to refer back to when preparing the quote. We're looking at existing materials, structural elements, access for materials and equipment, and anything that might complicate the work. Old houses always have quirks, and spotting potential issues during the site visit prevents nasty surprises later.

Checking the Structure

For extensions, we'll examine the existing walls to understand the construction type. Victorian and Edwardian properties in Hull are usually solid brick, which affects how we tie in new work. We'll look at foundations, damp-proof courses, and any existing issues like cracks or movement that need addressing.

For loft conversions, we'll check the roof structure, existing floor joists, and whether there's adequate headroom. We'll identify where stairs can go and whether structural work is needed. Many homeowners don't realise their loft is suitable for conversion until we explain what's possible.

Discussing Regulations and Planning

We'll explain whether your project needs planning permission or falls under permitted development. We'll discuss building regulations requirements and what inspections will be needed. If party wall agreements are necessary because you're on a semi-detached or terraced property, we'll explain that process.

This is where experienced local builders add real value. We know Hull City Council's planning department, we understand local requirements, and we've navigated these processes hundreds of times. We can usually tell you immediately whether your project is straightforward or potentially complicated.

Exploring Options and Alternatives

During the visit, we often suggest alternatives you hadn't considered. Perhaps extending further in one direction makes more sense. Maybe a different window configuration would work better. Sometimes we'll point out opportunities: "You could fit a downstairs toilet here quite easily" or "This wall isn't load-bearing, so you could open up this space."

We're not trying to upsell: we're sharing what we've learned from years of experience. Often small changes to initial plans create significantly better results without much extra cost. Other times, scaling back in one area allows better investment in another.

Discussing Budget Honestly

We'll discuss your budget openly. If your expectations don't match reality, we'll tell you straight away rather than waste time quoting for something unaffordable. We can usually suggest ways to achieve similar results for less, or explain what compromises would bring costs down.

Some builders avoid budget discussions during site visits. We think that's daft. Knowing your budget helps us quote appropriately and suggest the best use of your money. There's no point in us speccing premium everything if it prices you out entirely.

Timeline and Process

We'll explain roughly how long the work would take and what the process involves. Living through building work is disruptive, and people need to understand what they're committing to. We're realistic about timelines: underpromising and overdelivering beats the reverse.

We'll discuss how we work: working hours, site tidiness, how we manage waste, parking for vehicles, and how we'll minimise disruption to your daily life. These practical details matter enormously when builders are at your property for weeks or months.

After the Visit

Following the site visit, we'll prepare a detailed written quote. This usually takes a few days to a week, depending on complexity. We're not just plucking numbers from thin air: we're calculating materials accurately, estimating labour realistically, and ensuring everything's included.

Our quotes are itemised, showing exactly what's included and what costs what. Labour, materials, building control fees, skip hire, scaffolding if needed, structural engineer fees: everything's listed clearly. No hidden costs appear later if the work matches what we've quoted for.

What the Quote Includes

A proper quote breaks down every element of work. Groundworks and foundations, brickwork, roofing, windows and doors, electrical work, plumbing, plastering, decorating: each section is accounted for. This transparency helps you understand what you're paying for and makes comparing quotes meaningful.

We include specifications too: what quality of materials, which fittings, what standards we're building to. "Kitchen extension" could mean almost anything. Our quotes detail exactly what you're getting so there's no ambiguity or disappointment when work finishes.

Dealing with Unknowns

Old houses contain surprises. Sometimes foundations are shallower than expected. Occasionally, we discover structural issues once work begins. Honest builders explain this possibility upfront and include contingency in quotes, or clearly state what's not included if we can't assess something before starting.

We never use unknowns as an excuse to inflate costs later. If our quote says something's included, it's included regardless of minor complications. Only genuinely unforeseen major issues would change costs, and we'd discuss those immediately with clear pricing before proceeding.

Comparing Quotes

When you're comparing quotes from different builders, check you're comparing like with like. Is building control included? What about waste disposal? Are they using the same quality materials? The cheapest quote often excludes things others include, making it appear better value when it isn't.

Feel free to ask questions about anything unclear. Good builders explain their quotes happily because we know what's included and why it costs what it does. Vague or defensive responses to questions are warning signs.

Our Follow-Up

After providing a quote, we'll follow up to see if you have questions or need clarification. We're happy to revise quotes if you want to change specifications or scale back certain elements. Building work is a big decision, and you should feel completely comfortable before committing.

There's no pressure from us. If you need time to think, that's fine. If you want to get other quotes to compare, that's sensible. If you decide not to proceed at all, that's your choice. We'd rather you felt confident in your decision than feel pushed into something you're uncertain about.

When You're Ready to Proceed

Once you accept a quote, we'll arrange start dates, discuss payment stages, and confirm final details. We typically work on stage payments: a deposit to secure dates and buy materials, then payments at agreed milestones during the work. This protects both parties and ensures cash flow without requiring you to pay everything up front.

We'll confirm everything in writing so everyone's clear on what's happening, when, and what it costs. Good communication from the start prevents misunderstandings later and makes the whole process smoother.

Making the Process Easy

A site visit shouldn't feel stressful or complicated. We're there to help you understand what's possible, what things cost, and how to get the best results from your project. After 13 years of quoting for extensions, loft conversions, and renovations in Hull, we've made the process as straightforward as possible.

If you're considering building work and want an honest, detailed quote with no hidden costs or pressure, give us a call on 07934 237607 or email dbconstructionhull@outlook.com. We're happy to visit your property and explain exactly what's involved.