Questions to ask a builder

1trainer1

We are having a builder come around on the weekend and want to have a list of questions ready for him in order to make sure that we have peace of and no unforseen circumstances

I am just looking for a list of questions to ask a builder when they are giving us a quote so I can ask them the right questions as I have never done anything like this before

southcoastrgi

it might help if you told us what work you are having done

nickj_2

what will the quote include
a start and finish date if quote ok
arrangements for any unforseen work
insurance
payment arrangements
who will be doing the work , will he supply other trades , are the other trades fully qualified

1trainer1

southcoastrgi wrote: »

it might help if you told us what work you are having done

Having a kitchen extension turning it into a kitchen diner with a downstairs wet room and a utility room

1trainer1

How many workmen will work on the Project

What jobs will be outsourced/ subcontracted

are you VAT registered

When do you expect to start

How long do you think it will take

When Do you expect to finish

Have you got trade acccounts

Can you provide at least 3 references which we can go and see

how often will you get rid of rubbish

is the price of a skip included

will you provide a building schedule

who will be supervising the men on a day to day basis

What is your liability cover and can you provide evidence

can you please itemise the quote with a full breakdown job by job/ step by step / Labour and materials costs

Daily start and Finsih times

Timescales on payment will be done once each job is complete as per the itemised quote is that ok, does that tie in with the schedule

Is theprice an estimate or a quote

Please can you provide and address and contact number for your office/ base

What contact will you have with our neighbours and how often

are you a member of a trade body

can you make sure we have working facilities each and every night as we are living in the property i.e electricy and water

What are the steps in case there is a dispute / unhappy with work

have you got any other projects going on at the same time

Can we get a written contract agreed before we commence

Where will the materials be stored/ delivered

How long have you been trading

Arrangements for any unforeseen work

Quote for additional work i.e damp proof course in living room etc…

Removal of chimney and upstairs fireplace

1trainer1

anyone got any other questions we can ask the builder as they are coming round tommorow and want to be fully prepared.

ps, hope the long list of questions doesnt scare them off

martinthebandit

Tea or coffee? Would always be my first question.

cyclonebri1

Especially with a list like that.

it's an excellent list , but you missed on of the most important ones;

"What are you going to use as toilet facilities?"

seriously the only issue I have ever had with a builder was over this.;););)


Can I also say take care not to come across as a petty moaner at your 1st meet, but also don't think that because he says he will mind his men that you can trust it will happen like that.

And I just thought, forget about asking about detail like "are skips included?" just ensure it's an all encompassing quote and any extra's that crop up, ie options to do something differently from what he has priced, are dealt with there and then and listed as added costs.

EG, when they were putting the ceiling joists in my extension, I asked for 9" timbers to be used instead of the 4" that the plans said.

I can now use the space above for heavy storage and all for £50 at the time. I also asked for the loft hatch to be enlarged for similar reasons, £10.

cootuk

Don't forget relevant paperwork for PartP or Building Control.

Does the extension need a Party Wall notice..depends on where it is in relation to other properties.

jellie

It's not just about the actual questions you ask the builder -

Does he offer to take his shoes off when he comes into your home?
Does he make sure he understands the details of your job?
Does he take the time to explain what will be involved?
Does he listen properly to your questions, and take time to answer them?
If you don't understand what he tells you, is he happy to clarify?
What would he like you to do to make sure his working area is clear of your stuff?
Is he happy answering all your questions?!

Oh, make sure you check if the heating / water will need to be off and if so, for how long.

I second what cyclonebri1 said about toilet facilities - you don't want a stream of workmen traipsing through your house in their mucky boots if you can help it.

cyclonebri1

jellie wrote: »

don't want a stream of workmen traipsing through your house in their mucky boots if you can help it.

My problem was the opposite, they used a certain corner of the new extension, 1 that couldn't be seen from outside as their toilet, it stank for weeks after concrete was laid,