Struggling to find a groundworker/conservatory installer

toniq

Hi,

I found a decent firm to do my drive got all the permissions in place and that work starts in 2 weeks, but the conservatory I can't get moving on in anyway.

We just want a wickes conservatory installed. That is our final decision.

But finding a firm is impossible, either no returned calls or they miss appts or come out say they will send quote and it never materializes.

We have never told any of them what funds we have, but the funds are more than ample for this type of project.

No idea what to do next, Rated people useless only 1 call and that was too bully us into an orangerie.

Checkatrade everyone says not to trust and the firms I have called from them haven't responded.

Tried 20 odd firms and got nowhere. I have asked friends and no-one knows anyone reliable.

Any ideas appreciated.

I am by Gatwick.

Thanks Toni

Furts

When I last looked at Wickes conservatories, circa 6-12 months ago my verdict was bad roofs in polcarbonate and a suspect manufacturer. The designs were poor, but the dwarf wall ones looked OK. A ten year guarantee is claimed - but there are no details of what exclusions and terms apply nor what is even covered. The manufacturer is not named, the profiles are not named, the sealed unit manufacturer is not named, there is no accreditation, and no BS Kitemarks, or similar. The all round verdict would be avoid like the plague. But they are cheap and price rules these days so Wickes sell them.

You are asking am impossible scenario. Wickes are dubious or bad construction aimed at the retail market for DIY folks to install. These DIY folks would not know decent quality even if it jumped out and hit them on the head.

The trade will have its sources, access to better conservatories, discounts, rebates and guarantees to consider.

It would be commercial madness for a reputable installer to erect a Wickes conservatory for you. That is why you are not receiving responses to your enquiries.

glasgowdan

I'm a gardener and if a client asked me to use their machines I'd ignore them too.

What's your budget? Size of conservatory?

toniq

I haven't actually stated to any of them it's a wickes conservatory, that's the thing, just said we are have sourced our own.

It's actually this conservatory we would like but if I mention who it is I know it wont go down well being argos but we like it.

The odd quote we have actually had has been around £9,500 for the conservatory alone without the base,labour etc. Once that gets added n it gets stupid figures.

We don't want an orangerie but keep getting pushed them on us.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6860691.htm#pdpFullDesc

It's a glass roof, not polycarbonate.

We just want a builder type person.

Budget approx £15,000, we had £20k but using 5k for drive, drop kerb etc.

toniq

But surely there must be ground workers who do bases and builders who do this type of thing?

I have zero idea what avenue I have left, I just want to hire someone to put it together and do the base.

Silver-Surfer_2

Here's my slant on the problem you face.

There's not enough work for a builder/bricklayer. A good labourer or ground worker will already be employed this time of year, so getting one for a couple of days to dig your footing will be difficult. These trades will not be skilled at fitting the conservatory, so you'll need a specialist or window fitter. They won't touch your diy product and will want to supply and fit your own. They will however have ground workers and brickies to do the work.

I'd be surprised if you couldn't get a conservatory supplied and built for 8-10 grand. Stay away from the national companies and find a local company.

Furts

toniq wrote: »

I haven't actually stated to any of them it's a wickes conservatory, that's the thing, just said we are have sourced our own.

It's actually this conservatory we would like but if I mention who it is I know it wont go down well being argos but we like it.

The odd quote we have actually had has been around £9,500 for the conservatory alone without the base,labour etc. Once that gets added n it gets stupid figures.

We don't want an orangerie but keep getting pushed them on us.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6860691.htm#pdpFullDesc

It's a glass roof, not polycarbonate.

We just want a builder type person.

Budget approx £15,000, we had £20k but using 5k for drive, drop kerb etc.

Ummmm. You post saying it is a Wickes conservatory which sets alarm bells ringing. Now you post saying that was a porkie pie. Instead you want an Argos conservatory. Leaving integrity aside how do you expect any professional in the construction industry to take you seriously?

You are going with Argos as a money saving excercise. Why should the construction industry subsidise this decision when there is an over abundance of conventional quoted work everywhere?

I have no issue with your choice of supplier - that is your decision. But this decision has to be made in conjunction with "who erects it", "is that person competent" and "what happens if it collapses and causes a fatality".

Both Wickes and Argos are treading on dodgy legal ground by selling conservatories. This is a statement of basic common sense. That is why you are not getting satisfactory responses from contractors.

toniq

If I could find one for £8,000/£10,000 supplied and built I'd be over the moon, but nothing like that price around here.

I really thought doing drive and conservatory in £20k would be ample and maybe have a few grand change but no chance around here as the few quotes I have been given have been anywhere between £16,000 to £25,000. And that is from local firms in the surrey sussex area.

We then decided to go for the above conservatory and get a trade in to build it thinking it would be less hassle and cheaper to do but no joy.

Thanks for help/advice, all appreciated.

toniq

Furts I described it as a wickes conservatory as in diy type in this thread without going into exact detail as I know how slated Argos is.

If you read my post you will see I have never told any tradesperson where I am sourcing it from as that's not what I need them for.

Sorry I feel you are being antagonistic, not everyone has tens of thousands for projects, We aren't after any subsidising from anyone.

I have no idea what point you are making other than to belittle me.

toniq

Furts wrote: »

Ummmm. You post saying it is a Wickes conservatory which sets alarm bells ringing. Now you post saying that was a porkie pie. Instead you want an Argos conservatory. Leaving integrity aside how do you expect any professional in the construction industry to take you seriously?

You are going with Argos as a money saving excercise. Why should the construction industry subsidise this decision when there is an over abundance of conventional quoted work everywhere?

I have no issue with your choice of supplier - that is your decision. But this decision has to be made in conjunction with "who erects it", "is that person competent" and "what happens if it collapses and causes a fatality".

Both Wickes and Argos are treading on dodgy legal ground by selling conservatories. This is a statement of basic common sense. That is why you are not getting satisfactory responses from contractors.

I've asked for ideas on how to source a trades person, I have not said I am cutting corners and risking some ones life.

I have never intended to hire someone that isn't competent. No idea what your issue is.

Furts

toniq wrote: »

If I could find one for £8,000/£10,000 supplied and built I'd be over the moon, but nothing like that price around here.

I really thought doing drive and conservatory in £20k would be ample and maybe have a few grand change but no chance around here as the few quotes I have been given have been anywhere between £16,000 to £25,000. And that is from local firms in the surrey sussex area.

We then decided to go for the above conservatory and get a trade in to build it thinking it would be less hassle and cheaper to do but no joy.

Thanks for help/advice, all appreciated.

It is apparent you do not favour my views, but I will continue! You may be throwing in the towel, but I suggest you simply are not looking in the right places for a conservatory. Check out the trade sources in your area and you may receive a realistic price. Equally, if a conservatory is mega cheaper from outside your area then get the mega cheaper folks in. It can be done - it simply depends on your savvy, and your negotiating skills. Yes there will be a cost, but you factor this in.

The other approach is to get a sunroom built in lieu of your conservatory. Better value, and a long term addition to increase the asset value of your home.