Being asked for 50% deposit before any work is done

elaneh

I’ve accepted a quote to totally renew my Conservatory which is an eye watering 15 K from a local firm that seems to have a decent reputation (although yet to find anyone who they’ve done a conservatory for)

Having very badly burned by a local builder previously I am very much more careful and they say the job will be insured for 10 years as well as guaranteed for 10 years but I haven’t been given a contract. And as the conservatory will be going on an existing base, should not be any unpleasant surprises that could possibly add more.

but I am extremely reluctant to handover any money without a contract..

What is the usual practice and it’s a written quote sufficient to form a contract? They want more or less 25% before they even come and do the final survey and then another 25% when the glazing et cetera arrives and the rest on completion it just doesn’t feel comfortable.

FT8

Did you find the firm through word of mouth?

I've had problems finding good trades people. I often use a Competent Person Scheme (https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval/use-a-competent-person-scheme) and Trust Mark (https://www.trustmark.org.uk/homeowner). I have less problems when using a trade from one or the other. I think Trust Mark includes the Competent Person Schemes.

When I had my roof replaced by a firm on the competent roofer scheme the work came with an insurance backed guarantee. If the roofer went out of business I can go to an insurance company who'll fix the defect. I had to make a claim and it worked well. The firm didn't ask for any money up front. I only paid on completion.

I would check with your local authority (building control and planning) to make sure you don't need permission or they need to approve post works.

I would ask some more about the guarantee. What happens if they wind their business up? I have heard of builders offering guarantees, but its not official and if they go out of business its worthless.

I'm wary of paying up front. I can understand for materials, but probably want these delivered and under your control.

Markdavid1962

I personally would get 3 quotes, ask for references which you can contact and visit. The references if possible from 1 year, 3 years and 5 years. You can also check with the references on payments etc

In the first year after work has been done it always looks good.

Always have a contract with payment milestones and guarantees, companies go out of business all the time.

Agree with FT8 comments about materials and guarantees.

sallysaver

You have,been given excellent advice from the posters above particularly FT8's comment about going out of business.. They would be getting no money up front from me. If they are decent at what they do ask to see some of their work & talk to those people. You have been more than disappointed before, don't let it happen again.

Albermarle

You should have some kind of contract. It does not have to be 20 pages long.

We had new patio door and french windows last years ( UPVC).

The sales guy gave us a headed printed piece of paper, with hand written details of the job and the price. We both signed it and we paid a deposit of One Pound. The rest was paid after completion of the job.

For more substantial building work we had done in the past, we paid 20% when they turned up and started the job. Then 20% instalments every 10 days or so until it was complete.

flaneurs_lobster

I’ve accepted a quote to totally renew my Conservatory which is an eye watering 15 K from a local firm that seems to have a decent reputation (although yet to find anyone who they’ve done a conservatory for)

Could you not ask them if they have someone local-ish who they have built a conservatory for (who would allow contact for a reference/look-see)?

twopenny

You must have a contract and details of what the final result will be agreed.

Payments made at what stages. I'd expect a contract and for them to have delivered materials to you and begun work even for a short time.

Asking for 25% before the next inspection sounds odd for a busy and solvent firm. Unless it's enormous the initial building materials shouldn't be expensive, would be on their account with building supplies etc.

Where did you hear of their reputation?

Something sounds off.

TELLIT01

I certainly wouldn't pay anything until the final survey was done and you have a firm price for the job. I would also want to know if the insurance and warranty are underwritten by a 3rd party. Neither would be worth anything if they are provided by the conservatory installers themselves and they went bust.

I would also want to see the full contract before taking things any further. Insist on any deposit being paid by credit card. That's really about as much as you can do to protect yourself.

When we had our conservatory built I paid a fair chunk up front and they were a well established local company. That didn't stop them going bust some years later. Staff had no warning, just arrived to work to find the building locked up and in darkness.

kipsterno1

I also look for the company records via companies house to see if the directors have a track record of dissolved companies and the state of the accounts.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81939359#Comment_81939359

When we had our conservatory built I paid a fair chunk up front and they were a well established local company. That didn't stop them going bust some years later. Staff had no warning, just arrived to work to find the building locked up and in darkness.

Unfortunately the PVC window/door/conservatory business seems to be afflicted more than most businesses by companies going under. Not just local fabricators but right up to national companies, including significant manufacturing operations at the top of the supply chain. Even the large producers of the PVC polymer sometimes get into trouble.

EssexExile

I suppose it's a trust thing. You could pay 100% up front if you trust the company completely, or they could accept total payment after the job is finished if they trust you completely. Somewhere in between is normal.

If the conservatory is bespoke then I would expect to pay quite a lot up front, if they manufacture it then you change your mind it will be almost worthless.

I'd like to see some terms and conditions before parting with any money.

Get more quotes and see what other companies do by way of payment terms.