Eek choosing a builder

fatpiggy

I have a 1950s home-grown lean-to extension on my 1930s kitchen and I've decided it has to go. It is cold as its only one brick thick and I suspect it has moved away from the main wall a little, but possibly that was a while ago. I've had three local builders come to look and quote for the work (things are a tad complicated by the fact that about 7 years ago I paid quite a few hundred pounds for a lovely fibre-glass roof to be put on it and I can't afford to just throw that away but of course it does rather get in the way of the would-be works) and it is so difficult to choose who to give the job to as each person has had different opinions about things and obviously this will affect the price quoted. Some things one person will say, that's no problem, we can do it this way and another will suck his teeth and say that could be trouble. I've got one more builder coming out tomorrow and then I really need to make the decision as I need to crack on before it gets cold and I have no back on my house! Two have come recommended by friends, one from my work in-house for-sale and services notice board and the other I selected from a web-search and had good reviews. I am careful to explain to each one about my concerns and needs, and tell them what question marks the others raised so that I can get their specific opinion on the same thing. Does anyone have any advice to help me make the choice? I know not to just go with the cheapest quote obviously! They have all been very pleasant and I haven't had any bad vibes or felt they weren't being thorough in looking at everything.


Pah, its hard work and I then I have to choose the new kitchen units and that's even harder :rotfl:. I can't believe people can actually do this sort of thing for a hobby.

mumlady1

Hiya
I know how you feel! I have a builder all lined up to start work on my house but actually getting to that stage was a nightmare! As an aside, I automatically strike anyone off my list who sucks their teeth & tells me it's a tricky job, :rotfl:!! Can't bear that attitude. I want solutions people!!
Anyway, best advice I had was from my brother-in-law who is head of planning dept & sees the best & worst of builders all the time. He says it's all a bit of a lottery (no help there, sorry) but the best thing to do is go, not just by personal recommendation, but by actually seeing the recommended work for yourself if possible. If someone has recommended a builder to you, & has used them for their own job, I'd be asking them for a few more details & then basing my final decision on that.
Good luck! I hope it all goes well for you

nickj_2

go for recommended names over any builder web sites

sweaty_betty

We had a few people recommended, but went with the one who'd done something very similar (and done a great job of it). If you live in Manchester I can give you his name, as I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.

fatpiggy

Hi Sweaty Betty,
That's very kind. Please go ahead and name.

I think I know which one I wil probably go with now. Ironically he gave the highest quote but I think it would be better to be prepared to spend more from the outset than suddenly find the lower quote been underestimated and then I have to dive into the contingency fund. He was recommended by a neighbour who has also used him to do substantial work at a local theatre and lets face it, community and volunteer-run bodies like that aren't in the position to spend any more than they have to or waste money.

NewtoDIY

If you're having a number of jobs done, you should get each job itemised. And make sure it is a quote and not an estimate.

Leif

Recommendations from people you know is the safest way, but not guaranteed. I would be careful of online builders sites, there are some complete rogues on those sites, and what's more they have glowing reviews.

sweaty_betty

fatpiggy wrote: »

Hi Sweaty Betty,
That's very kind. Please go ahead and name.

I think I know which one I wil probably go with now. Ironically he gave the highest quote but I think it would be better to be prepared to spend more from the outset than suddenly find the lower quote been underestimated and then I have to dive into the contingency fund. He was recommended by a neighbour who has also used him to do substantial work at a local theatre and lets face it, community and volunteer-run bodies like that aren't in the position to spend any more than they have to or waste money.

As long as I'm allowed We used Signature Construction. No complaints at all.

Doozergirl

Always phone previous customers. Ask the builder for numbers of someone who has similar work carried out, if possible. Even if you've had a friend recommend, check someone else too.