Builders: It isn't always cheaper to go private.

So I came over for ten days just to get some work done. More fool me! In a nutshell, I've got nothing done due to the time they take to come and give a quote and then when I finally receive it, they've been astronomical.

Most surprisingly I've found that it's cheaper in some cases actually going to a builders merchant and pay the shop to do the work.

I have a quote from a private Spanish business that several of you have suggested (I don't want to mention names) and it seemed expensive, so I went to the local builders merchant and they have a set price per metre to buy and to fit.

The private business quoted 810 and the builders merchants came to 320 including fitting. That's a blooming big difference. Also, being a shop it was easy to arrange; I ordered it yesterday and they delivered all of the materials on one of this lorries with a crane yesterday afternoon and the guy turned up at 8.30 today to do the work.


For another job the private company quoted 1620 and the builders merchant quoted 450 for the same including all materials and fitting.

Once I'm pleased with the work I'll post the shops name.

Looking forward to hearing your recommend builder.

We've fallen foul of using the odd UK builder/worker etc. Only to discover that a Spanish equivalent is far cheaper. I suppose I was being lazy in not tackling the language barrier and foolishly believing that being a Brit, they'd be honest.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no way suggesting that all expats are crooked, some have done wonderful, affordable and quick work. I'm just saying, get a couple or three quotes and include locals and, expats

KimmiRocks wrote:So I came over for ten days just to get some work done. More fool me! In a nutshell, I've got nothing done due to the time they take to come and give a quote and then when I finally receive it, they've been astronomical.

Most surprisingly I've found that it's cheaper in some cases actually going to a builders merchant and pay the shop to do the work.

I have a quote from a private Spanish business that several of you have suggested (I don't want to mention names) and it seemed expensive, so I went to the local builders merchant and they have a set price per metre to buy and to fit.

The private business quoted 810 and the builders merchants came to 320 including fitting. That's a blooming big difference. Also, being a shop it was easy to arrange; I ordered it yesterday and they delivered all of the materials on one of this lorries with a crane yesterday afternoon and the guy turned up at 8.30 today to do the work.


For another job the private company quoted 1620 and the builders merchant quoted 450 for the same including all materials and fitting.

Once I'm pleased with the work I'll post the shops name.

Good post KimmiRocks. I would also like to have details of the builders merchant, if and when you are able to recommend them.

I need to finish off a sizeable renovation project that had to be halted for various reasons, including unacceptable delays. It was supposed to be completed first week in August and even with some major items taken out was not finished when we had to return home mid September.

Grateful if you could PM me with the two jobs you are having done.

Donaduo !!!

Ok, so the guy has finished (6hrs total work) and he's done a fantastic job and left it lovely and clean. Not only that but they've insisted on giving me a refund for a couple of bits that they didn't use.

The shop is called PEZARCO in Quesada. As you come into Quesada through the arches, turn right immediately after the car wash place is. They are in that little road on the bend on the left. You'll see tiles and bathroom stuff in the window but they are a builders merchant.

Another thing I'd like to mention is that I've been trying to get prices for a new gate and I used my neighbours gate just as a price point. A well known gate company have quoted me 1300 which I thought sounded ok but what do I know. I received a call from Benimetal in Benijofar yesterday and they've quoted 650 for the same thing. What a difference!

By the way, all of the quotes for the rooftop balustrades were from Spanish.

While I'm on one.....my Spanish neighbour had a fab outdoor brick cupboard built for her washing machine. They installed pluming and electric but I just wanted the cupboard to store things so no electric or plumbing required. They quoted me 200 more than she paid.

I'm trying to post pics but my computer is too slow (I'll keep trying).

We too have been converted having been unfortunate enough to be let down ripped off and disappointed by a few ex pats (the exception I am sure ). We have now found a Spanish builder (and his team) and are delighted with the work they have done. All done in our absence, you would never know they had been, great finish and we were happy with the price although of course I don't know how that compares with the shop. What I do know is there is no comparison to the ex pats we used. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

I have used Pezarco and Benimetal to do our work over the last fifteen years and never had a problem. They do excellent work and always leave the place clean and most important the price always been good.

The house we are buying has the start of an undebuild, that needs work lots of work, clearing out,putting in windows etc is this something Pezarco can do or are they more tiling, walls and balastrada?

With all things there are different quality of materials. The first metal workers might of priced you on a heavy quality galvanised steel. Then Benimetal might have quoted for a lighter grade without treatment. Before you choose I'd get the specs. Who were the "expensive" builders?

Tootandploot wrote:We too have been converted having been unfortunate enough to be let down ripped off and disappointed by a few ex pats (the exception I am sure ). We have now found a Spanish builder (and his team) and are delighted with the work they have done. All done in our absence, you would never know they had been, great finish and we were happy with the price although of course I don't know how that compares with the shop. What I do know is there is no comparison to the ex pats we used. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

Who are the Spanish builders you are happy with? We need some work doing early next year.