Engaging The Services Of A Builder - dos and don'ts.

[Emsman]

He has paid his membership and received his sticker then.
Nothing more

[skyslimit]

Emsman said:

He has paid his membership and received his sticker then.
Nothing more

That simple is it? Explains a lot.

Dear Lord the UK is an overpriced st pit full of scam artists these days.

[dxg]

Emsman said:

A JCT contract may be applicable, but most inappropriate, and I wouldn't carry out small works under ones terms.
Ever.

I'm not talking about SBC/XQ (let alone MW), but HO/B

Designed just for this situation. It's weak, but better than nothing (I don't even know if has retention in it, for example).

http://www.jctltd.co.uk/stylesheet.asp?file=220720...

If nothing else, the proposal of using such will test the builder's mettle. If you never hear from him again after suggesting it, then you know where you stand.

Edited by dxg on Tuesday 6th April 19:06

[wildcat45]

Cheers for your help guys.

Dan

[groucho]

theaxe said:

Personally I wouldn't engage any builder without a recommendation from someone. Once you're done that, make sure you have an address & land line number for him.

Next, try to agree phases of the work with a schedule of what will be paid and when.

You should budget for unforeseen complications but try to avoid requesting changes during the project as these will cost you time and money.

I just got a quote turned down because I was cheaper than the other two. I had two recommendations from people she knows that I have worked for, too.

No comprendo!

[sleep envy]

dxg said:

Emsman said:

A JCT contract may be applicable, but most inappropriate, and I wouldn't carry out small works under ones terms.
Ever.

I'm not talking about SBC/XQ (let alone MW), but HO/B

Designed just for this situation. It's weak, but better than nothing (I don't even know if has retention in it, for example).

http://www.jctltd.co.uk/stylesheet.asp?file=220720...

If nothing else, the proposal of using such will test the builder's mettle. If you never hear from him again after suggesting it, then you know where you stand.

Edited by dxg on Tuesday 6th April 19:06

JCT for this instance is overkill

I'd suggest a simple exchange of letters - the builder's quote, outlining his payment terms, spec, programme, etc and your confirmation outlining terms

WRT to inclement weather a JCT contract does take that into account, but only intermediate forms and above

[Plotloss]

Decide what you want, down to the very last and finest detail.

Get them to price what you want, down to the very last and finest detail.

Agree stage payments, timings and amounts.

DO NOT CHANGE YOUR MIND AT ALL.

DO NOT DILLY

DO NOT DALLY

DO NOT UMM, AHH OR PROCRASTINATE AT ANY TIME

Perhaps consider incentivising coming in before schedule and penalise coming in after schedule but the important thing is not to change your mind mid build.

[sleep envy]

Plotloss said:

the important thing is not to change your mind mid build.

golden rule

if you decide to change your mind (for whatever reason) make sure that his estimate is broken down that you can estimate for yourself the likely cost of the variation before you discuss it with him

[Spudler]

wildcat45 said:

The job is the construction of a conservatory and the flooring out of a loft with a light and ladder.



Any advice appreciated.

Cheers

Get a fixed price detailed quotation. No money up front, no offers of cash. Payment on completion less deposit. View recent work. Don't be to friendly but supply tea and coffee. Check guarantee for worthiness. Average conservatory should be completed in about a week and a half so no need for payments on account. Keep an eye on works but don't criticize until they've finished. If weather facing opt for cavity trays, otherwise flashing will be fine...and cheaper.

[cymtriks]

If the conservatory is a big one then a deposit (for materials) seems perfectly reasonable.

Describe, a clearly as you can, exactly what you want and ask if they think your plans are sensible. Ask to see drawings of the completed project (but do bare in mind that if you have no experience of dealing with plans, diagrams and designers impressions it may not help)

Agree a list of work for a quote.

Read the itemised quote. If changes have crept in talk about these (there may be a very good reason for them!). On the other hand if they just did what they felt like steer them back on line (or get rid if you think it'll be an ongoing problem).

Keep in touch. Ask how the work is going. This will help to catch any problems that might occur and to resolve them before they get out of hand.

If you are stuck why not ask neighbours if they know anyone who'll do the job. Older relatives might have the local age concern handyman list for example.

A lot of people in the trade know each other so if you've had work done before, any kind of work, ask them. Our local corner shop for white goods knows local electricians, plumbers and locksmiths for example.