Obtaining a quote from a building contractor

I recently purchased a site with planning permission for a bungalow and am about to go to a number of building contractors for quotes.
I have heard that the more detailed your specifications the better and that if you get an architect to review them it could also end up saving you money in the long run.
Any suggestions??

when we were getting quotes all of the builders pretty much quoted standard exccept on things that we specifically told them, eg the type of heating system. but one builder told us that they all quote pine for example as if he quotes for walnut and another quotes for pine, you might not remember that and think he is far dearer...

Your architect should be able to do a Bill of Quantities which outlines all that he/she designed for the house. But make sure to go through it with them first before giving out to a builder. Our original architect spec'd out expensive stuff which we never asked for and were shocked at the rates we were quoted by builders. Most builders will give you a "PC Sum" for items such as kitchens when they dont know exactly what you want. This is just an estimate and if you spend less than your pc sum its taken off the overall total. Definately shop around for quotes and ALWAYS have a contingency as things arise throughout the build that you havent accounted for.

Problem is that the architect who initially did the plans for the planning permission didn't provide any specificiations, the most detailed information I received from him was a floor plan - any idea what the cost would be to get him to prepare this "Bill of Quantities"??

Shiram a bill of quantities is more a job for a quantity surveyor than the architect. Albeit the architect should have issued some standard form, when the qs is drawing up the BOQ he will use the building regs as his starting spec and by talking to yourself the client ye can agree on amendements to this ie higher spec insulation to be included, oak skirting and doors instead of pine and so on. This will give you a detailed spec to send out to the three or four builders. Should cost in the region of €600 to €1000

Thanks for the responses - I have spoken to the architect who did the plans for the planning permission. He has quoted me 500e for detailed plans and detailed specificiations.
I think I'll go ahead with it as the more information I can provide to contractors the easier it will be to compare quotes.

Hi Shiram, a bill of quantities will be a big help. However, be sure to nail down everything in any spec you give to a prospective building contractor - those items on the spec will make the difference at the end when you get the tab for 'extras'. Believe me, some time considering the details at this stage should save you considerably in the long run... Good luck

Thanks MulberrySt - I'll follow up on that. I've been doing a little reseach and it seems to be the general rule that a detailed spec will end up saving you money in the long run.