Welcome To HS Carpenters & Builders

If you're looking for a local Corby builder to carry out your next project, simply use our online estimate form to submit your details. We'll get back to you, normally the same day, with our estimate.

Providing you are happy, we will visit your business or home to carry out a full survey of your project and furnish you with a project quotation.

With over 20 years hands-on experience in the construction industry, there's nothing we don't know when it comes to offering our clients quality building workmanship.

Never feel embarrassed to give us a telephone call even if you only require a brick replaced, new pointing, a single window fitted or just some friendly advice.

We will carry out any building project, large or small and keep you, the client, informed at all times, should there be anything that needs your approval.

As confusing as it may seem, I often get asked about the difference between an estimate and a quotation. Below, you will find a quick explanation of both.

Even if you do not decide to us as your Corby builder, the advice given will stand you in good stead.



What's The Difference Between An Estimate And A Quotation?

Simply put, an estimate is a rough 'ball park' figure that gives you an idea of what costs are involved to fulfil your project.

A quotation is an agreed price or figure that incorporates all costs to carry out a project to completion.

Having a project completed on an estimated price can often lead to the final cost being much more than you anticipated and is never recommended.

Always be sure to have a signed firm quotation in place before work begins. Doing so will give you added piece of mind should any disputes arise on completion.




What Does Extras Mean?

This is often a term used and/or stated in a final bill or invoice as 'Unforeseen Extras.'

You are within your legal rights not to pay for any extras unless they were agreed upon with yourself and the contractor before the 'extra work' was carried out.

Here are some tips to remember when using a builder in Corby, or any other builder for that matter, who demands payment for extras:


  • If a contractor is carrying out work that looks like it's not part of the quotation, simply ask for an explanation why they are doing it. Maybe it's just some preparatory work that needs to be done as part of the quotation or maybe it's a way simply to get 'extras' added to the final bill that have no bearing whatsoever with the project.

  • If in doubt. Just ask!

  • If a contractor states that something has to be done that's not in the quotation, ask for a reason. If it is legitimate, ask before the extra work begins, how much it will actually cost to complete and how long will it take. Don't ask for an estimate on the extra works, ask for a total.



When may an 'extras' incident occur and what should I know?

  • Most builders are honest and will provide you with a binding quotation. However, there may be times when a project is quoted for and when work begins, something is uncovered that needs immediate attention. For instance...

  • ...A quotation for new floor boards to a ground floor property may turn out that new joists are required when the old boards are lifted.

  • ...Making a room 'open plan'  where RSJ's have to be inserted, may uncover internal structural problems that need immediate attention before the steels can be positioned.

  • If you know about any possible defects beforehand, try and relay this back to the contractor before he gives you a final quotation. What will probably happen then is your quotation will incorporate a contingency sum - an allowance that the contractor has incorporated for the purpose of 'unforeseen extras' that may or may not arise.

  • The contingency is a safeguard figure that will allow the extra works to be carried out without being faced with an 'extras' bill that you later didn't envisage.


We hope that you have found these few tips useful and we welcome any enquiries for your next project.



HS Carpenters & Builders - Your local Corby Builder on 07971 366757













Corby Builder Offering Quality Construction & Building Services In Corby, Kettering and Surrounding Areas of Northamptonshire

HS Carpenters & Builders Purveyors Of Quality Workmanship Since 1985her