building/extending a porch

[RPP]

I've made several attempts to get a builder to either replace an existing small flat roofed porch with a larger pitched roof porch to the front of my house (all building/planning permission obtained), but with no joy. They come, they measure up, they take away copies of my plans and then they are never heard of again! I don't even get a price! I guess they must all of heard what good plans I draw and want a copy!!!

So, now I either need a good one (turns up and does a good job - postcode B13, south Birmingham) or guidance on how to do it myself.

As I see it there is the decision to extend, or demolish and rebuild (mainly a cost issue), then decisions including building/purchacing of roof materials, doors and windows, walls and groundwork.

Can anyone help one way or the other? I'm quite handy, so could do the work myself with time (and some neighbourly help where additional labour is required), but would prefer to pay someone if that person exists.

 

[Static]

It really depends on alot of factors, getting planning on something does not mean that it will be easy to build. If your plans are so complex that it would take a specialist to make every item, the person pricing it will decide when he gets to 50k (a lovely glass porch with solid platinum doors) that you wont accept the quote so gives up. Also builders get distracted by other jobs and can take months to issue a quote back so dont expect anything instant. Try phoning them to remind them about you, they like to know that you are keen to give away your money.

In the end you should get back about 50% of the quotes you ask for.