Struggling to find a groundworker/conservatory installer

Furts

toniq wrote: »

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.

Argos are clearly, and obviously aimed at DIY erection. That is why a comprehensive DVD is include with the conservatory. Hence you go to Argos, you erect the conservatory - it is that simple. If the erection is not correct the roof could fall in , the side panels could bow...you get the idea. All this is part of the Argos experience in conservatories.

Buying an Argos conservatory and expecting a professional to install it is cutting corners - you know that.

If you cannot see past the sales hype in the Argos web page there is little I can add other than I and the contractors you have approached can see this is a dubious product.

toniq

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.
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toniq wrote: »

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.

Furts wrote: »

Argos are clearly, and obviously aimed at DIY erection. That is why a comprehensive DVD is include with the conservatory. Hence you go to Argos, you erect the conservatory - it is that simple. If the erection is not correct the roof could fall in , the side panels could bow...you get the idea. All this is part of the Argos experience in conservatories.

Buying an Argos conservatory and expecting a professional to install it is cutting corners - you know that.

If you cannot see past the sales hype in the Argos web page there is little I can add other than I and the contractors you have approached can see this is a dubious product.

how when they have no clue where it is sourced from? I have stated that a few times but you seem to choose to ignore that.


Thank you for your input Furts, I know you mean well in your own way.

Doozergirl

Furts is right. As you are finding with no one to build it for you.

I have a full team of people. I don't do conservatories as I hate them but the guy that would fit conservatories sells conservatories!

Finding someone that fits but does not sell would mean finding someone employed by someone who sells the things. So they won't be advertising.

Everyone is run off their feet at the moment. There is a proper job there for the right person but there are otherwise a few specialist jobs in your DIY conservatory.

I don't think anyone in my contacts list would entertain you past 'I've just bought a conservatory'.

Who is going to guarantee an expensive item like that for you? No one. Argos will blame the fitting and the fitter (if you found one) would blame the product.

You'll have to get the building regs sign off on the windows as well.

Futile, in my opinion.

Build a proper extension or find a small, local independent firm who does double glazing and conservatories.

Anyone decent is going to see through your attempt to scrimp. I can't ever even imagine Argos selling something at a better price than the trade, so you must be looking in the wrong places.

toniq

I'll keep ringing around conservatory companies and see what they come in at for supply and fit outside of the south east and give them my dimensions and see if I find anyone that way.

I am not trying to scrimp, I presumed and have been told even on here £15,000 is ample for a conservatory supply and fit a few times.

Just can't seem to find anyone local so will look further afield.

Thanks

Furts

toniq wrote: »

how when they have no clue where it is sourced from? I have stated that a few times but you seem to choose to ignore that.


Thank you for your input Furts, I know you mean well in your own way.

I am not at war with you, and I am not trying to belittle you. Doozergirl has given an excellent reply which echoes my thoughts. Trades and contractors are switched on people who have a sixth sense on consumers. They need this to counter all sorts of issues from ignorance, to naivety, to dodgy finances, to unrealistic budgets and so on.

The moment you posted it was a Wickes conservatory the alarm bells rang, When you admitted it was not Wickes I am speechless. Why lie when requesting advice on this Forum? Equally, you know the mention of Argos is a stumbling block which is why you did not initially mention it.

At some stage you would need to inform your chosen contractor of Argos, but they are savvy. They will already have made this assumption. This is simply because they will have factored in a worse case scenario with you, and declined to get further involved.

I believe you are going about matters in the wrong manner. I say this because I would adopt a lateral thinking and different approach and with a plan B. Part of this strategy is mentionned in a previous post.

We can all give platitudes and a shoulder to lean on. You then hit the thanks button and matters are wonderful. When people give you hard facts, information you do not want to hear, and burst your bubble, you appear to not like it.

martinthebandit

I think OP you have three options,

1. Find someone who will supply and build, but if they are any good, price and quality wise, you are looking at 2017 before it will be done.

2. Buy your Argos conservatory and properly DIY it.

3. Buy your Argos conservertory and find a 'handyman' to do it.

But be aware that options 2 and 3 will come with no garauntees.

Basically pick any two out of these three, fast, good and cheap.

If it's fast and good it won't be cheap.
Fast and cheap won't be good.
Good and cheap, won't be fast.

Furts

martinthebandit wrote: »

I think OP you have three options,

1. Find someone who will supply and build, but if they are any good, price and quality wise, you are looking at 2017 before it will be done.

2. Buy your Argos conservatory and properly DIY it.

3. Buy your Argos conservertory and find a 'handyman' to do it.

But be aware that options 2 and 3 will come with no garauntees.

Basically pick any two out of these three, fast, good and cheap.

If it's fast and good it won't be cheap.
Fast and cheap won't be good.
Good and cheap, won't be fast.

An excellent reply and likewise with Doozergirl above. Option 3 was part of my strategy. OP may know a family member who is a retired, or semi retired Engineer who could meticulously plod away at the installation. I do not know if OP appreciates how long this will take, but assuming good weather perhaps 3-4 weekends. There may also be handymen advertising locally who could help.

To be proactive to OP, I would remind anyone of the default position on a conservatory. They all leak - either when fitted, or later. In many instances these leaks will get sorted, but some will not, and others will only start leaking when perhaps 5+ years old.

A good conservatory, of good quality and with good fitting is vital. An installation guarantee is a welcome back up. Does Argos tick any of these boxes...of course not!