Polish builder

aliclago

Any feedbacks and comments on polish builders? I have just been recommended a builder, who happens to be a polish. I don't know his capacity/skills but generally people say good things about them, hard worker, punctual etc. Does anyone know any risks of using polish builders? Are they qualified just as much as English one?

EliteHeat

As it is generally accepted that engaging a tradesman who has been recommended is by far the best way, what possible difference does it make what nationality they are?

As far as I know, Polish builders are every bit as qualified as their British counterparts, with the added advantage that they will also have stab at all those other pesky little jobs:- gas, electrics, window installations etc

misgrace

As builders to a certain extent the majority are hard workers, but be very careful using them when it comes to Gas or Electrics.

hewhoisnotintheknow

i think the fact that he is polish is irrelevant, i would base your decision on the reccomendation and what he has to say about the job

unsure

Have to agree, the nationality is irrelevent as long as you can communicate effectively. I don't think any particualr nationality has a monopoly on building skills or work ethic. There will be good and bad practitioners in all nationalities, getting the right person/compnay for the job at the right price is what counts.

What you need is a recommendation by someone who has had similar work done by them -- any decent tradesman would be happy to point you in the right direction if you don't already have personal contacts. If the builder can't point you to satisfied customers who will endorse their services would you want to use them?

And make sure you get quotes from at least three companies, apart from the possible difference in cost, they may suggest different ways of doing the joib and you'll get a much clearer picture of what's necessary/possible and which one you want to go with. How you get on with a builder, whether they listen to your ideas and offer helpful suggestions, may be just as important as other factors, especially if it's major work and you are likely to be seeing a lot of each other for a while!

And do make sure you get any quote written down with a clear indication of what is included in the job in advance to stop prices escalating during or after the process (if they do so it should only be with your agreement because of changes you make to the original idea or unforeseen circumstnaces that come to light in the building process).

Sorry if it all sounds egg-sucking but I'm speaking from years of both negative and positive experiences in several different locations with many different builders! I reckon we've finally reached the point where we can screen out the cowboys and make sure the job gets done properly at a fair price. All the points made have been an issue at some stage.

aliclago

Many of you seem to misunderstand about me..... I am not a racist or anything. As there are so many cowboy builders and cowboy architect(from my own experience), I am just cautious/nervous of choosing a builder. That's all.
Are most of the polish builders(non-English builder) on the list of recognised building controlled body, I wonder?

adamtango

As long as he know what he's doing, can communicate sufficiently, and quotes you happy- would it really matter if he was from Khasakstan ?

fluffymuffy

aliclago wrote: »

Many of you seem to misunderstand about me..... I am not a racist or anything. As there are so many cowboy builders and cowboy architect(from my own experience), I am just cautious/nervous of choosing a builder. That's all.
Are most of the polish builders(non-English builder) on the list of recognised building controlled body, I wonder?

You could try speaking to your local Building Inspector. They're not supposed to recommend builders but it makes their job easier if they have sensible people to deal with...

maninthestreet

adamtango wrote: »

As long as he know what he's doing, can communicate sufficiently, and quotes you happy- would it really matter if he was from Khasakstan ?

If he botches up the job and then does a runner with your money back to Khasakstan (sic), then it would matter.

Ken68

Anyone, Polish or otherwise would need to be able to read and understand Building Regulations.
Lot of jobs don't need this so depends on the project.