How do I go about finding a builder in London!

roses

Hi, I have just got planning permission approved for a kitchen extension which will be major renovation, knocking down existing wall, extending, steel support etc.

I looked at the FMB website but cannot find how to navigate in order to search builders - it asks me to post my job online instead of giving me contact details to research then call myself.

I did post on myhammer & mybuilder but all the people that replied seemed to be lone builders, not reputable companies with several employees.

I am in North London.

fluffpot

you could try joining which? - this gives you access to which local where local traders are recommended and reviewed by which members

I don't work for which? I just happen to be a trader on which local

muskoka

I am a member of Which/Which local and I have used some of the recommended contractors. I have to say they're not necessarily all their cracked up to be. I seriously would get recommendations from friends & family.

efremis

Roses
Try FORESIGHT PROPERTY REFURBISHMENTS LIMITED on 07770 395645 and speak to Sofro Sofroniou. Currently working on properties in Belsize Park and Regents Park. I have used this company for my house refurb and have to say, they were very good. Their work is to a very high standard and they do not advertise. It's all by way of recommedations. I believe they have just finished work for a TV presenter/author who has employed them for a number of years on all the properties they have bought. Highly recommended.

phill99

Would help if you said where in London you are. London is a big place.

And why do yo0u think 'lone builders' are not reputable. With smaller operators, you will find that they are often more attentive as it is themselves that are actually doing the work as well as drawing up specs, etc as they don't employ estimators and office staff. And because of that they are normally cheaper as they don't have heavy admin costs.

crazyguy

word of mouth is the best recomendation, why not ask a few neigbours if they have had work done and by whom !

roses

Tried neighbours - 2 of the builders went bust part way through & my neighbour had her house "rejected" by building control because her builder didn't do a good job so that won't work

Phil, if you read my post then you'll see I wrote I live in North London. This isn't the job for a lone worker, it needs a team of several employees working on the job simultaneously with adequate insurance in place.

crazyguy

I think try friends and family then surely someone would know of a good builder, either that or look online or the yellow pages and make sure they are in the master builder federation or whatever its called these days, get a few round get quotes and ask to see previous work, if they are a good builder they will not hesitate in showing you previous work done.

sayahu

Many lone builders will hire other people when they need to, its on an as needed basis very much like agency work. Most will use someone who's work they like.

Even if they are not registered with the FMB just make sure they have insurance in place for the big job.

AND always ask to see previouse works to get an idea of the quality of workmanship - do not just go on recomendations.

Yell.co.uk is good as are leaflets put through the door regardless of quality of paper or design. Or if the builder speaks good English or not as long as he is a registered builder with insurance (just in case) and has a good reputation with good work samples you can not go wrong in my opinion.

Good luck - it's quite a minefield out there.

phill99

roses wrote: »

Phil, if you read my post then you'll see I wrote I live in North London. This isn't the job for a lone worker, it needs a team of several employees working on the job simultaneously with adequate insurance in place.

Sorry - just saw the location.

I think we may be at crossed purposes. Let me explain. I run a property maintenance company (and I'm not touting for work) and act as a 'one man band'. I don't employ anybody. However, I undertake very large projects. I don't do all the work myself. Instead I have a group of sub-contractors who work with me and they will be scheduled to come and do their trade at the correct time eg Ground workers on foundations, brickies on walls, roofers for the roof, electricians and plumbers for services etc. All are insured as I am.

Therefore, for all intents and purposes, I am a lone worker. And there are thousands of companies like mine who operate in this manner. If you want a company that directly employs all traedesmen all of the time, then you may struggle. A lead contractor with sub-contractors is now the norm for the construction.

What you need is a lead contractor who will act as project manager - this is the real skill in complex construction projects.

So just because someone is a 'lone-worker' as you put it, doesn't mean they haven't got the skill, experience or the business model to undertake considerable projects.