Employing a tradesman

Gangstabird

I have just read a terrible thread in which someone had to go to court to settle dreadful problems with their builder so I thought I would post a new thread with points you MUST do if you are using someone from the Yellow book.

When getting a quote, ask if you can visit and see previous work. If customers are happy they will be more than happy for you to see. Do not just take a reference over the telephone (obviously they might need a bit of time to tidy up etc) but please go and see it. If they are cagey they are the builders b*tch and are lying.

When you agree a price, insist on a breakdown of every single cost, materials, labour etc and as someone else said, get a contract if you are talking £1000's. My husband agreed a price recently and something went wrong, we were £100's out of pocket but he took it on the chin as it was his mistake so he had to pay as it was an agreed price. I know everyone isn't as honest but they cannot ask you for extra money after they have given you a quote in writing which doesn't stray from the original job unless of course they find a cemetary or summit under yer house:D

Builders insurance, ask for it, and take down the policy number and phone them up to make double sure it's in date. Ask the builder if he minds and once again, an honest man will not mind. Don't get the number from them, google the insurer and find the number yourself. Make sure you know his policy and where he is to blame and what will be repaired.

If the person working for you is a sole trader as many small traders are, they should carry an inland revenue registration card complete with photograph (hubs used to). It's called a CIS card and proves that they are who they say they are and pay tax.

If your job involves Gas check with corgi that they are allowed to work with it.

If it involves electrics they should have the card which says they are perfect etc. Gawd I could go on & on.

If anyone would like to add to this feel free. I am sorry that so many people are being fooled by cowboys at the moment, in my area as well. Some of DH jobs are rectifying terrible mistakes made by these people especially with elderly people which is evil imho.

Don't be swayed, ask for it. If there is a moments hesitation or they say no, then I am sorry, but they are probably working for cash and don't have a clue.

Don't be fooled by the pretty signage on the van or the nice smily man

swake

i will add a few lines that ive said in the past on top of what you have allready said.

just a couple of tips i posted in response to another thread.

Most important is get a good recomendation from someone you trust. If you dont have someone you can rely on there are contractors you can get through the master craftsman association. Any contractor affiliated with these kind of reputable organisations will have no problem providing you with a list of previous clients and a portfolio of recent work.

Once you have decided on a contractor make sure you CLEARLY define in writing what you need them to do.A massive problem the builders face is when the client changes the details/design/specification of the project and expect to not incur additional costs.Once you have a concise idea between you and the builder on paper the costs involved become far more transparent at a later date.

Once they have provided you with a clear breakdown of costs and schedule of works take some time to review there trade per hour costs and what they are charging for materials, if it appears consistant with online sources then its down to you to make the decision. If for any reason they attempt to squirm out of any of these very basic pre requisites then you can be pretty sure you will encounter problems with them later on in your project.

Billing payment and retention.

When you both are happy about the work involved and agreed on in my opinion it is not unacceptable for them to ask for a minimal advance but definetly no more than around 5-10 % especially if they are a smaller contractor. The important part to manage is the stage payments and final account throughout the project. You should include in the schedule of works a payment schedule that ties your payments directly into definative percentage of the job completion. Also as a client i would insist on a retention that you can withhold on agreement it will be released when you are completely satified that everything is finished to your standards.

My last piece of advise would be that ALL good builders are very busy.
If someone tells you they can start in 2 weeks there full of !!!!. If you have to wait 3-4 months for the work to start then wait its not like its life threatening to get your conservatory done in the next 3 weeks.

Once your happy take photographs and provide statements for your builder and recommend him and i would ask him for discounts on future works for yourself if you start doing referalls.

There should be a sticky that at least has the prcoees you should go through when attempting an extension or home works.

Good luck to anyone trying.

id like to add that not all people involved in construction are dodgy builders or out to fleece you. But when you get hold of a good builder keep hold of them.

Also i would be wary of taking work from anyone that calls themselves gangstabird. If you dont perform to her expectations she might pop a cap in your !!!.

except for the op of course, lol

Canucklehead

Hi

If the person working for you is a sole trader as many small traders are, they should carry an inland revenue registration card complete with photograph (hubs used to). It's called a CIS card and proves that they are who they say they are and pay tax.

Only if you are working for a builder. Supposed to prevent fraud:rolleyes: Otherwise you don't need one.

Corgi Guy.

PS
Do you really think a builder will work out the material cost of your job to the nearest 4" wire nail? Just for you to say 'Oh thanks, just curious'?

swake

PS
Do you really think a builder will work out the material cost of your job to the nearest 4" wire nail? Just for you to say 'Oh thanks, just curious'?

---

Yes i would. Although you normally take your estimate and add 2-3 percent for sundries. I generally cant tell how many 4' wire nails im going to use. Oh wait yes i can its going to be none i dont build properties in medievel times. =P

jblack_2

Gangstabird wrote: »

If the person working for you is a sole trader as many small traders are, they should carry an inland revenue registration card complete with photograph (hubs used to). It's called a CIS card and proves that they are who they say they are and pay tax.

I have never had one. Unfortunately I still have to pay my taxes.

McAzrael

Canucklehead wrote: »

Hi
Only if you are working for a builder. Supposed to prevent fraud:rolleyes: Otherwise you don't need one.

Corgi Guy.

Not only do you not need one any more, they are no longer issued and no longer valid. The whole CIS scheme changed in April 2007 and cards, certificates and vouchers are all a thing of the past.

jason_s_2

Its a UTR number now, Unique Tax Reference Number.