London Construction Company recommendations?

chris1012

I am looking for a London construction company that are reputable, provides a guarantee and do not sub-contract any of the services.

We require a -

Loft Conversion
Basement Tanking
Repair/Replace Kitchen Flooring and sewer pipes


In 2013 I had my whole house renovated but unfortunately the builders did not correctly install my kitchen flooring and my drain pipes, so since then we are living with frequent sewer smells!

We have tried multiple times for them to rectify since however gave up after a year as they didn't have a clue (or so they said they didn't)...

If any of you know of any recommendations, please do let me know.

Thanks

brightontraveller

Big construction companies may well have skillsets required different departments etc but your works simply wouldn’t be enough for them ~(although many of them would still subcontract)
I’d very much doubt one exists in the domestic market that does as you want with the real expertise and knowledge you require loft conversion, tanking and sewers are worlds a part

You on the road to another bodge there is nothing wrong with subcontractors if they and the main contractor has the correct knowledge, understanding expertise, experience to start with I’d say any domestic builder that even tells you they would take on works as you describe doing it all in house is most likely full of bs, chancer, cowboy.



But as it’s a open forum I’m sure you’ll get different opinions from the delusional, bodgers :rotfl:

Doozergirl

I agree.

Subcontracting is part and parcel of the construction industry. There's no benefit to demanding a company that doesn't and it's arguable that subbyong allows contractors to have the right people on the right jobs.

It's fine for the main contractor to take responsibility for the lot if you want one form doing it all.

Furts

I am with both above posts. You are looking for diverse specialist skills, with tanking and drainage being very difficult areas to get real trades people.

London is a big place so there are bound to be companies that meet your requirement. There is a big "but". London prices are high and direct labour firms will be higher still. Indeed such companies, whoever they are, are likely to be doing only top end work at top end prices.

There is another "but". I know of a local, reputable, building company with lots of direct labour. I have used them, but am also realistic. The workmanship is mediocre, to passable, on most trades. (The younger, keener, super duper trades move to subbying where they can earn more money. The direct labour ends up being a mix of trainees, disinterested, mediocre, and old stagers. A bit of a generalisation but you will get my drift.)

Another "but" is dealing with reputable direct labour companies means the average consumer has to up their game. Working drawings, a Specification, a Bill Of Quantities, and a Contract would all be commonplace.

The final "but" is reputable companies will be reluctant to correct work bodged by cowboys. You may have difficulty, or pay a premium, to get your drainage resolved.