Stage 5a. Tendering/Builder Quotes: Getting, Comparing and Choosing (Optional)
Finding the right contractor at the right price is one of the most consequential decisions of your project. This stage manages that process on your behalf, giving you comparable, accurate quotes and the confidence to choose the right builder.
The Preliminaries
We begin with a meeting to work through the project preliminaries: access arrangements, parking, use of facilities, payment schedule, start and end dates, means of dispute resolution, and the use of specialist subcontractors. This information forms a Preliminaries document, which sets clear expectations for all tendering contractors and becomes part of the building contract.
Sending Out to Tender
The Preliminaries document, combined with the full drawing package from Stages 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, forms a complete tender pack. This is sent to a shortlist of contractors, typically three, giving each the same information to price against. We can suggest suitable contractors from our network, and recommend including one contractor you find independently.
The quality of the tender pack directly affects quote accuracy. Stages 4b and 4c significantly reduce contractor assumptions and contingencies, leading to more comparable, realistic prices.
Reporting on Tenders
Once quotes are returned, we review and report on them, identifying any significant differences, gaps, or assumptions. We can assist with negotiation or value engineering if the quotes should come in above budget.
Do I need Stage 5a?
Not always. If you already have a trusted contractor, you may not need a formal tender process. Stage 5a adds the most value when you want competitive and comparative quotes, don’t have an existing contractor relationship, or want professional oversight of the selection process.
From Clients
“Many thanks for the Tender Report. An easy document to read through in the lovely sunshine this week! You’ve really clearly laid out the differences, risks and further questions.”
Alex B. Oldfield Park, Bath
“Thank you for the detailed report. It is extremely helpful for us to have this overview and the detailed comparisons so it is, again, money well spent.”
Paul M. Claverton Down, Bath
Included in Optional Stage 5a:
- Preliminaries meeting to establish contract terms
- Preliminaries document prepared for all tendering contractors
- Initial introductions made to ensure every contractor is interested and available to tender.
- Management of the tender process
- Report on returned quotes with commentary
- Guidance on contractor selection
- Negotiation and value engineering support if needed
Overall Project Timeline:
Stage 0-1 > Stage 2-3 > Stage 3b > Stage 4a > Stage 4b > Stage 4c > Stage 4d > Stage 5a
Drawing Board and Instagram Feed
Always lovely to see spring is on the way during a survey visit this week.
This lovely Cotswold stone cottage, south of Bath, is getting an update, replacing an ageing conservatory with a modern rear dining extension.
The brief: maximum glazing and a standing seam metal roof to sit beautifully against the stone. Exciting things ahead.
Mar 6
Light and materiality working together—Batheaston extension.
Herringbone oak flooring throughout. Kitchen, dining, and living spaces overlooking elevated patio with views across Bath.
The project also included a dream garage for a classic car (a fellow MG owner!). Flexible studio with rooflight (yoga space now, annexe later if needed).
Every detail considered in plan and section to make the most of a challenging cranked plot and stepped levels.
Extension and renovation | Batheaston | Bath
Photography: @pete.helme
Feb 25
I`m pleased to share that I`ve won Best of Houzz Service for 2026—my fifth time receiving this award since 2021.
This recognition comes from client reviews, and I`m grateful to everyone who`s taken the time to share their experience.
Listening to clients, responding to the house and its context, and designing to the brief—when you get these fundamentals right, it shows in the results and in client satisfaction.
Thank you to everyone who`s worked with me over the past year. Here`s to another year of thoughtful extension and renovation projects across Bath, Bristol, and Wiltshire.
#residentialarchitecture #extensiondesign #batharchitect #bristolarchitecture #wiltshirearchitect #homerenovation #architectureaward #houzzaward #bestofhouzz #ukarchitect #extensionideas #houseextension
Feb 18
Batheaston extension—making the most of a cranked plot and a slim strip of additional land.
These clients bought the plot alongside their home and asked us to create a classic car garage, home studio (that could work as an annexe), and a large open-plan kitchen-dining-living space.
The bonuses: ensuite, southwest-facing roof terrace, and lower ground floor living that connects straight to the rear garden.
Traditional Bath stone exterior meets contemporary interior—plus a dream garage for a fellow MG owner.
Extension and renovation | Batheaston | Bath
Photography: @pete.helme
#batharchitecture #batheaston #residentialarchitecture #extensiondesign #classiccargarage #bathhomes #somersetarchitect #annexedesign #roofterrace #homeextension #bathstone #laceyarchitecture
Feb 11
What a wet January—been battling the lurgy and playing catch-up, finally sharing some photos from just before Christmas.
This was an unusual project in a historic, much-altered house. With its two staircases, circulation was tricky until we reworked the layout. Sometimes small-scale changes in a complex older property can have a transformative effect—releasing the plan and allowing the family to move forward.
We designed a scheme they could tackle in phases without moving out.
Phase 1 is now complete: removed a cramped original stair, installed this new oak feature staircase, created a separate home office, and reconfigured the first floor to create two upstairs bedrooms, and a generous family bathroom.
On to Phase 2...
#residentialarchitect #interiorarchitecture #homerenovation #historichomes
Feb 4
Design Presentation Day at Lacey Architecture
Laying out the full picture for clients—floor plans, elevations, precedent images, and material palettes all spread out for review. This is where weeks of listening, sketching, and refining come together into something tangible.
For this project, we`ve explored multiple floor plan options alongside everything from timber cladding details and zinc roofing to hung tile facades and crittall-style glazing. The presentation includes spatial alternatives, material combinations, and real-world examples to help clients visualise their future home.
Now it`s over to the clients to choose their preferred route forward.
Every extension and renovation project we take on in Bath, Bristol, and Somerset gets this level of care—detailed drawings paired with curated inspiration so nothing`s left to guesswork.
Currently booking projects for summer 2026 onwards.
Residential architecture | Extensions | Renovations | Bath | Bristol | Somerset
#residentialarchitecture #architecturaldesign #extensiondesign #bathhomes #bristolarchitecture #somersetbuilds #homerenovation #designpresentation #architecturepractice #timberclad #zincroofing #hungtiles #crittallwindows #homeextension #architectlife #smallpractice #laceyarchitecture
Jan 23
