Great ‘builders/decorators/handymen insider tips’ Hunt

HugoSP

When changing your bathroom or kitchen there are a number of jobs that can be done on the new bath, toilet, basin, units etc before the old ones are ripped out.

This means that the family is without for much shorter periods.

For example, I changed a bath a few weeks ago. I knew I would have to take out a heavy cast iron bath with a sledgehammer, and that this would take time. However the family have 2 young children and I didn't want to leave them with no bath overnight. So I assembled the new bath completely including taps and waste, then first thing the next day I unplumbed and smashed up the old bath. This meant that I had plenty of time to get the new bath in before the children came home from school. Had I had to assemble the new bath after removing the old then the family would have spent more time without a bath.

Also, and slightly contradictory, when tiling and fitting a new suite, if you can - remove the old loo and washbasin, then tile and grout the wall that they have come off then fit the new toilet and basin over the tiles.

The disadvantage is that you can be left without the toilet and washbasin for longer, not an issue if you have another bathroom, however the advantage is that this makes the tiling much easier, and makes for a better job..

Finally, fit taps and wastes to sinks, basins and baths BEFORE you fit them in the room. This makes the job easier.

HugoSP

If you're tiling a small area, like a bathroom floor for example, you may only need 3 or 4 boxes of tiles. Look for end of range tiles, then negotiate hard for a good price.

I once tiled a kitchen in 4 inch tiles for £2.50! These were very good quality tiles from a specialist kitchen shop that was closing down. He had reduced his tiles down to half price but had put outside for donations to the air ambulance a number of tiles that he had very few of (one box or so) any one colour. However there were a number of boxes of 4 inch tiles that just varied in colour from one box to the next. I found that I could tile a number of square yards using several complementary colours. I donated some £5 for a number of tiles, being two main styles and each style having around 5 to 6 colours. The effect was very good.

chartreuse_2

GiganticDays wrote: »

Is this offer still available? I've checked WHS's site and they have it for sale at £25

I got a copy yesterday from WHS in Holborn for £6.25.

misgrace

big_ste wrote: »

In these training colledges its all a perfect scenario but as soon as something comes out of the norm they have not got a clue.
When you finish a apprenticship it is only then that you start to learn the real skills that is needed as you are then thinking for yourself instead of being on the coat-tails of a experienced man who keeps you from making mistakes.
as a larger company you dont know who they will send, go for landlines not mobiles, as the smaller operator is likley to give a sh*t about what he is doing.
There is a lot of genuine good guys out there, always get a written quote listing the works to be undertaken, never pay up front, and dont be a agressive moron when negotiating price etc as this will just get backs up, treat a good tradesman as a good friend and you will get a lot back, as they will be able to recommend ways of saving money with other trades etc

Very good advice there, and I agree with you regarding the training side of things.
I didnt learn half the things I know with decorating till I actually worked alongside the more experienced painter/decorators.

I too never give my mobile number to new clients, its always a land line, when I finish the job I leave a couple of cards with has my landline and mobile number on it.

Another thing..., try and go for a 'one man band' cause sometimes if you go through a firm, they tend to sub work out, and you dont know who you get.
Wheras the jo, or jane bloggs who works on thier own is the one thats actually doing the job, and any comebacks go directly back to them.

itsakidsworld

Although my point is not actually DIY, hopefully my comments will help you save money whilst having the job done correct.

When you have a problem with your roof, before you call anyone in, have a cheap digital camera ready along with your computer on. Ask the company to take photos of the damaged area for you so that you can understand what they are pointing out to you. Put the photos onto the computer and ask them to point out the problem. Tell them you will pay them for this because it saves you money in the long run. Then when the work is done, ask them again to take photos of the area repaired/replaced.

If a tradesman is good at his job then they will do this no problem. If they refuse then you have to ask yourself why?

HugoSP

itsakidsworld wrote: »

Although my point is not actually DIY, hopefully my comments will help you save money whilst having the job done correct.

When you have a problem with your roof, before you call anyone in, have a cheap digital camera ready along with your computer on. Ask the company to take photos of the damaged area for you so that you can understand what they are pointing out to you. Put the photos onto the computer and ask them to point out the problem. Tell them you will pay them for this because it saves you money in the long run. Then when the work is done, ask them again to take photos of the area repaired/replaced.

If a tradesman is good at his job then they will do this no problem. If they refuse then you have to ask yourself why?

If I go onto a roof I take my phone with camera up there, or indeed anywhere the client can't get to.

Then I can explain to the client what the problem is. I either show him the picture on the phone or e mail it to him.

Bristim

As a professional in the real estate business I can offer the following advice for those looking to hire a trade.

1) Get at least 3 quotes for every job and tell the contractor that you are getting more than one opinion. If they have a problem with that, walk away.

2) You are under no obligation to accept the lowest quote, or any of them.

3) Get quotes from good contractors, either by recommendation or from a good source - lots of suggestions on this in other posts.

4) Ask for references, check out accreditations (CORGI, FMB etc.).

5) On all large jobs allow for a 10% contingency (spare money for unforseen circumstances), noone can see every eventuality.

6) On anything major use a contract - there are several standard ones out there, including things designed for those not used to these things. Sources are such as the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT), who also produce the contract used for multi-million pound jobs, so they know what they are doing. AS A MINIMUM - agree the cost, start date, end date and a list of what is included in the job.

Believe me even the professionals get it wrong on occasion, I have seen mistakes costing £1000's or even £10,000's.

If you have a big job, consider using a professional such as an architect or chartered surveyor - their fees may cost money, but could save more in terms of expertise and contacts.

Otherwise ask around, friends, relatives, colleagues - there is an amazing amount of knowledge out there. Plus do not be afraid to ask the contractor themselves - if they are genuine they will give you good advice based on experience. You can always weigh what they have said against the oteh two quotes.

Hope that helps - guys on the tools please have your say!!

Bristim

iggie wrote: »

please be aware of the responsibility you have as an 'employer' for Health & Safety, both of those you employ and your neighbours/public who may be affected by the work. Check with your local Health & Safety Executive office for practical advice about what steps you should take, especially for extensions and the like.

Absolutely spot on, look at the HSE website. If a trade does not care how they work, what is their attitude to what they do?

Check out these examples of those risking the next 'Darwin Award'....:rotfl:
http://www.building.co.uk/section.asp?navcode=2411

radio10

Hi, this may help someone.
Today I repaired the zip on my wife's handbag. Very easy and avoided the purchase of a new bag.

Here's the link:
http://www.aceleathergoods.com/store/zipper.htm

Super easy!

Have fun.

buycheapbob

If this advice has been aired the apologies.

when you are obtaining quotes always put what you want in writing in as much detail as possible. Obvously if you are converting a loft or putting up an extension the architect will do this for you.

The cheapest is not always the best. From experience some contractors will come in cheap to get a job and then clean up with the extras if there is no detailed scope of works or there are 'grey' areas for them to exploit.

Also never pay the contractor upfront unless you are comfortable and confident in your relationship with them.

Having said all that there are plenty of good 'honest' contractors out there.