Reputable Builders

waynef_2 · 30 November 2004 at 4:55PM

Does there exist a website which lists builders, by area, and peoples experiences with them?

I am looking for a reputable builder in the Harrogate area, to do some work on roofing and guttering.

Any pointers would be appreciated!

Cheers,

Wayne

Boohbah · 30 November 2004 at 9:42PM

Just a quick Google

http://www.findabuilder.co.uk/fab/tradsearch/index.asp

Plumpud_3 · 1 December 2004 at 7:10AM

My Husband and I run our own building company. We have never advertised and we are ex-directory, but we have always had at least 6 months of work ahead! All of our work comes from recommendation.

Top tips I can give you:-

1. Always get at least 3 quotes. Never go for the cheapest. We are always the dearest quote, but we always provide a detailed quote, so the customer always knows exactly what they are getting for their money with a written contract. You need to be very clear about exactly what you want doing, then get a detailed quote for that work. Beware the vague and/or low quote, they will up the cost by adding 'extras' not mentioned in the quote. This is pretty much standard practice throughout the building trade.

2. Do not trust any claims to be members of any trade association. You need to check that they are actually current members and that the only qualification for membership isn't paying the membership fee.

3. Do not go by personal recommendation alone. You need to see the work that was done. Some people confuse being grateful for the work being done, with the work being done properly.

4. Check with the local planning department whether you need planning permission, or if building regulations apply. Don't leave it to your builder, because they will cut corners and costs by not doing it.

5. If you are having any load bearing walls removed, get in a structural engineer yourself, to do the calculations. They will also provide a drawing from which any builders can quote a price from.

6. If you are having extensive work done, get an architect to do the drawings. Be very clear in what you want, otherwise you won't get it. Study the drawings yourself. We have seen them drawn up with nothing to hold up the roof at the rear of the property and an extension that had stairs into the attic room with only 4' of headroom!

7. It is very unlikely that you will be able to get a good builder in 'next week'. Plan ahead to get the work done in several months time.

8. Do not pay all the money up front. Be prepared to pay stage payments for a large job, when the building work gets to each agreed stage (stipulated in your contract). For small works, pay at the end.

9. Check their certificate of Public Liability Insurance. Is it current? If they have anyone working for them it must be for a minimum of £5 million, if they are a one man band you want at least £2 million on there to cover yourself and your property. This is a large expense that 'cowboys' often don't bother with.

10. When you get your quotes in, if one is much higher than the others, speak to the builder. If he is non-commital, he doesn't want the job.

11. If you get builders around to give you a quote, but the written quote doesn't arrive, chase them up once. They may have genuinely forgotten, but it is more likely they don't want the job.

12. If you do find a good builder, but they are unable to do your work, ask them who they would recommend - it is unlikely they would recommend cowboys as it reflects badly on them.

If you want to know what can go wrong, watch all of the 'cowboy builders' programmes on TV (Grand Designs on channel 4 is also quite enlightening - not so much for cowboys, but for other problems that can arise) and take note.

Remember not all builders are cowboys, but there are alot who are. The genuine builders are as fed up with the cowboys as everyone else - they don't like being tarred with the same brush.

I can't think of anything else at the moment, but if I do, I'll let you know.

waynef_2 · 1 December 2004 at 12:30PM

Blimey, thanks for all your advice! I'll take it on board!

rammy007 · 4 December 2004 at 1:00PM

try the federation of master builders,we are just in the process of having an extention which is very stressful as our first builder tuned out to be a cowboy and now we have got a new one to try and get ours finished good luck you will need it!

trumpet_2 · 13 December 2004 at 12:20AM

I was told a story about a builder who sold his house that had accrows covered with plasterboard holding the top floor up and he was a member of trade of master craftmen.