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Hey everyone, Wasn't sure where to post this, but 'Building Materials' felt like the best spot. I'm reaching out to the experienced builders here because for your insights. Having spent several years in the field, I understand the hassle of pricing jobs, a sentiment echoed by my builder friends. Nowadays I am a skilled programmer looking to address this issue. I have a simple, user-friendly solution which will be free for builders to use (I'll explain more later). Here's the gist. Imagine starting a new quote, and the customer's name and email seamlessly import from your saved clients. You can add line items effortlessly. The 'Product Search' feature lets you explore local suppliers, showing prices and locations (see mock-up image below). A simple click adds your chosen product to the quote. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this and any ideas to improve, change or refine this solution. I want to code exactly what real world builder genuinely need. Regarding the decision to offer the app for free, the concept is to provide the tool that allows users to price jobs for free. There's will be an option to unlock additional features through an upgrade to offset any cost I incur on the free tool. Some feature ideas include invoicing, a job timer, office calendar, team management, and more. I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on feature ideas too.

Just over nine weeks ago I shortlisted five companies to quote for the insulated foundations, designed by Hilliard Tanner, for our new build. Two came through recommendations from the timber frame company, one had recently finished a new build up the road and two where local companies suggested by neighbour's. Having talked to them all and sent them the package of drawings, specifications and other details, they all visited site, some within days of us talking and the last about three weeks after. Two pulled out of the quotation process soon after (too complex a job), then another about six weeks into the process. One submitted his quote on the agreed date and the last one has not been seen since, other than an email saying our quote would be here on 14th July, it didn't arrive, so I phoned the office and I'm told he's on holiday now for three weeks! I give up !!! Edit On second thoughts, I can't give up! I've just demolished the house on site! The wife won't let me give up. But what next? Answers on a postcard please!

I feel very frustrated with it all today. Barn conversions are not easy, massive understatement! I might just put a caravan on the plot and save myself the hassle. Im trying to spend as little money up front as possible, I've had my offer accepted on the land with a barn with PP, the only bill I'm racking up at this moment in time is the solicitor. I understand no builder wants to be out of pocket but I'm wondering how can I progress from here. To get a quote I need a plan, to get a plan I need architect to draw up the plan to my specs, to get him to do this I need a structural engineer to check the derilict barns foundations, walls etc. are sound enough. The original plans were obtained for the guy who I'm buying the land off, I'm guessing just a basic design to get it passed. But I'd like some alterations, en suite in master bedroom plus an extension which is still within the footprint and a window in the lounge to enable me to see my land not just a courtyard. Ive been told by my architect to expect £1,000 which has now jumped to £1,500 per sq meter plus services (electricity, water bio mass treatment unit), and then buy the kitchen & bathroom fittings plus landscaping etc. My architect suggests I pay £200 to the builders merchants to give me an estimate for all this extra work. Anyone who would like to help me make sense of all this please feel free, so sorry to rant on when you maybe all think this is the easy stage. Julie