Finding a reputable builder for property repairs

disciple432

Apologies if this is off topic, it is house purchase related (in a way).

I've purchased a property that needs work, does anyone have any tips for finding a decent builder for repairs?

Specifically brick repointing, roof tile reseating, timber replacement in cheaply built timber conservatory and some structural work around two windows that may or may not involve lintel replacement.

I am a FTB so essentially don't have any contacts for this sort of thing yet so am wondering how do you source someone good that can be trusted.

The seller's agent was Purple Bricks, and as a buyer I can say that they've been great when I dealt with them, even found someone to do a structural survey at very short notice over Christmas. I am tempted to just give them a ring and ask if they use anyone in this area and if so who it is.

I've tried the obvious Googling but reputable/reliable isn't on Google's drop down! There is word of mouth, but when asking people at work it's always been hit and miss. It's possible insurance companies may have good contacts.

Any suggestions as to how I'd go about sourcing someone that can be trusted to do a decent job and charge a fair price.

Slithery

As you say, this has nothing to do with buying or selling property so you'd probably be better off posting it in the In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving section of the forum.

G_M

https://www.fmb.org.uk/


Which?


trading standards

Friends/family.

Local neighbours


If there's a local community paper or magazine, you can often find local contractors advertising, but do some background searches on them eg previous local home-owners who've used them.


Some local mags even have a 'Tried & Tested' section where local people recomend contractors they've used.


Avoid the commercial websites that show traders who pay to be listed and which advertise widely.

disciple432

G_M wrote: »

https://www.fmb.org.uk/


Which?


trading standards

Friends/family.

Local neighbours


If there's a local community paper or magazine, you can often find local contractors advertising, but do some background searches on them eg previous local home-owners who've used them.


Some local mags even have a 'Tried & Tested' section where local people recomend contractors they've used.


Avoid the commercial websites that show traders who pay to be listed and which advertise widely.

Awesome :T

jamesperrett

Join some of the local Facebook groups for the area that you are moving to - this sort of question often comes up in our local group and there are usually a string of replies from satisfied customers.

babyblade41

We have a neighbourhood page and it's excellent. Thankfully we have 2 guys who we use and are excellent with no bother about Health and Safety

They repaired the roof , chimney and replaced all guttering and fascias off a ladder:j

BrOz

I used a website called my builder for work on my house, you post the job, companies get back to you with quotes. They all have reviews from previous people who hired them it was good. I got an electrician, plumber and roofer that way.

csgohan4

BrOz wrote: »

I used a website called my builder for work on my house, you post the job, companies get back to you with quotes. They all have reviews from previous people who hired them it was good. I got an electrician, plumber and roofer that way.

That's a commercial website, same as trusted trader e.t.c


I used them before and quotes were rip offs, no thanks

HCIMbtw

I think checkatrade.com is alright as far as web searching goes!

but I would do what another poster has said, join a local community facebook group, post on there for recommendations.. you would will a few local builders hawk it for work as well

Retired_Mortgage_Adviser

I've had great results with MyBuilder for my rental properties, but only in/around large cities.

disciple432 wrote: »

I've purchased a property that needs work, does anyone have any tips for finding a decent builder for repairs?

pinkteapot

Get a recommendation from friends/family/colleagues/neighbours if at all possible. The best tradespeople don't need to advertise as all their work comes from referrals. If they're paying the money to be on checkatrade etc then they're not getting enough repeat business/referrals.