Finding a builder

Britannia12345

I'm trying to find a builder to do an extension on the back of my property and I'm not having much luck. The planner said he has a builder who can do it for me and he's been out and given me a quote which seems about right. The only problem I have is the guy doesn't have any reviews anywhere so I'm really not sure what to do. The planner who's submitting our plans rates him but he's only been around for 3 years. 
What would you do in this situation? We need the work doing now which he can do or we will havie to wait well into next year. What kind of guarantees can I get that the work will be done properly? 

CliveOfIndia

Personal recommendation is always best.  Ask friends/neighbours, or ask on your local community Facebook group, to see if people have used a builder that they can recommend.

Britannia12345 said:

We need the work doing now which he can do or we will havie to wait well into next year. 

A basic rule of thumb is that any good tradesman will usually be booked up weeks if not months in advance.  They're good, word gets around, and they're always busy.  If a tradesman is available at short notice, it's worth asking yourself why they've got no work on at the moment.  There may be a perfectly valid reason, or it could be that they're not very good so people don't want to use them.

TELLIT01

My brother-in-law and other members of his family (all builders) are booked up months in advance, and virtually all their work comes from word of mouth recommendations.  You won't find online reviews for any of them.

singhini

Britannia12345 said:

I'm trying to find a builder to do an extension on the back of my property and I'm not having much luck. The planner said he has a builder who can do it for me and he's been out and given me a quote which seems about right. The only problem I have is the guy doesn't have any reviews anywhere so I'm really not sure what to do. The planner who's submitting our plans rates him but he's only been around for 3 years. 
What would you do in this situation? We need the work doing now which he can do or we will havie to wait well into next year. What kind of guarantees can I get that the work will be done properly? 

The planner rates him -----> is this based on work he's seen -----> if so, any reason why you cant go and see some of this work?

EssexExile

I saw builders working locally and, when they weren't there, asked the homeowners for their opinion of them.

goldfinches

This page gives advice on how to choose a builder which includes some things I wouldn't otherwise have considered How to choose a trusted builder in the UK | FMB, Federation of Master Builders

And this one includes details about your legal rights when things go wrong How to find a reputable trader – Which? Trusted Traders - Which?

MysteryMe

Many online reviews are fake anyway, ask to see previous work. If you don't have any personal recommendations avoid most trader platforms. Which operate a properly vetted find a trader scheme as do many local Trading Standards. Reputable, long established trade organisations is another source.

How do you know the price is about right?   How detailed in the quote?  For an extension you should be getting a detailed schedule of works which makes it clear what is and isn't included. There should be a detailed stage payment schedule outlining what money is due and when it will become due.  Ensure Building Control sign off work at each stage, first will be foundations and if there are major issues at that stage make sure the remedial work is undertaken and signed off before they continue the build and certainly don't pay any further money until it is. Likewise ensure you receive all the necessary certificates for electrics and gas if applicable. A trader guarantee that is not backed by third party insurance or trade body is pretty worthless.

TELLIT01

Don't take the word of an contractor when they claim membership of a trade organisation.  Always check with that organisation.  Some traders will join in order to get the logo and then either quit or be kicked out but continue to use it.

Swipe

I waited a whole year to get my roof re-felted and re-tiled by a reputable local roofing company that has been around for over 30 years. The good ones don't need to advertise or pay Checkatrade for custom.