Home improvements

randomi15

Hi all,

I am getting some home improvements done including chimney removal and wall removal etc

The job quotes are between 5-10k??

I have picked companies from trusted trader but again I know how many cow boys are out there.

I have done it properly by getting architect, structural calculation and party wall surveyor to leave no space for later rip off and issues

I have also read number of articles on how to pay them and pick them

What i am asking is to share your experience and advise please

How would you pay?

Do you use those internet templates to agree on payment?

How do you define stages so you pay them at stages

How much is normal to pay at the start, just material cost?

I have said i will retain 20-30% while waiting for council approval

What can i do to hold them liable if they screw next door walls. I have got official party wall surveyor

What can I do to legally sue them if they delay my job so I had to find someone else and also claim for all expanses

I have seen so many cowboys and tv shows I have no faith in any one


I really really appreciate your help

dimbo61

Without seeing the job, property, Load bearing walls, type of brick, steel work involved how can anyone guess the cost !

randomi15

I think you have misunderstood they already have but told me need structrual calculations so once i received it I did forward it

However that is not my question

My question is around how to find someone good and deal with any issues as per my original post

Clutterfree

You're talking about suing them for any delays before the job has even started?! :eek:

If I was a tradesman, I'd not even quote for the job if that was in your terms.

Good luck!

Fosterdog

Randomi15 you really need to ask around locally with friends and family who they have previously used for work.

If our house buy goes ahead we already have a roofer, plumber, and plasterer lined up for any work. All three have done work for friends and relatives multiple times and they are all very reliable and do a very good job, they get more than enough work purely off word of mouth and a good reputation.

What we are struggling with is an electrician as we can't seem to find anyone recommended locally who has a good enough reputation for us to trust them, the area just seems to be full of cowboys who have in some cases done a slightly bad job and in others left homes in a dangerous state. We are starting to look into people from slightly further afield, it will cost us more for them to travel to do the job but if the job is done right it will be worth the cost.

randomi15

I understand but unfortunately do not have any one in london or anyone whom lives in my area for recommandations


That is why i am worried

marksoton

randomi15 wrote: »

I understand but unfortunately do not have any one in london or anyone whom lives in my area for recommandations


That is why i am worried

If you want belt and braces....

http://www.jctltd.co.uk/

Or really heavy....

https://www.neccontract.com/

I doubt any contractor would agree to the latter.