Basic steps to save money with any contractors

BSA_2

Hi there,

Very cursorily I have three key recommendations speaking as one of a number of reputable contractors in Brighton and Hove:

GET FIXED COSTS, NOT QUOTATIONS

Always get a minimum of 2, ideally 3 FIXED labour estimates for the work, not variable quoatations. Any experienced and earnest contractor will be able to give you a fixed cost for labour (Parts and materials may vary but you can insist on seeing the receipts) after inspecting the required work. YES this is a hassle but it is worth your time and patience, particularly if you're looking at extensive work (refitting kitchens/ bathrooms/ any central heating or electrical work).

PICK YOUR CONTRACTORS WITH EXTREME CARE, EVEN FOR TENDERING COSTS

Forget all common knowledge about employing a contractor: don't bother with the yellow pages or local ads as you have no idea of the contractors' work quality or reliability. I would also steer clear of the recommendations of friends unless the work you require is identical to what they have had done; EVEN THEN be wary as plenty of us are prone to overexaggerate the bargains or good service we receive when it happens. Similarly if your friends don't know anything about what the contractor does then how can they validly recommend them? Would you value their view on who was the best nuclear physicist? "Oh you should use Professor Smith, he left my laboratory very tidy".

If you want to know the job will be done use sites like http://www.checkatrade.com and look for contractors with as many recommendations as possible and who have had their work formally vetted.

DON'T PAY ANYTHING IN ADVANCE !!!!

A sound and worthy trader or contractor would not need advance payment for labour and only advance payments for materials on the biggest jobs. If you're careful about your selection process this won't even come up.

eh1lad

Good advice. It is easy to be "persuaded" to give the first contractor the work!

Some people say that if you get a leaflet for a tradesmen that it means they are no good as they are not busy from word of mouth referrals?

Personally I think it is good that they are trying to generate work through mailshotting doors.

What is your view on that?

toffyapple

i would go on reccomndation from people you know, on the SAME WORK - you want a new kitchen? - find someone whio has had a kitchen done, and go and look at it - and ask customer specific questions about - tidyness, overall quality, did they turn up on time, did they offer you options when probems occur, and so on.(speaking as a tradesman that fits kitchens)

BSA_2

I've never used mailshots myself but I DO know a fellow tradesman who used them when he moved into the area; he is very good but simply had no local custom so they don't necessarily suggest a bad contractor; similarly if the tradesman has taken a long term contract with a builder or established firm then his own business may be in "fallow" and require drumming up trade again.

The rogue (or at least roguish) trader problem can really cost you and its often only after the event that you know that's what they are. but if you do as much homework as possible up front in selecting them and getting multiple quotes (never hurts to say that's what you're doing as the cost can dip on that basis) then you shouldn't end up with a bad trader or job.

newfunk

Isnt it a shame that conscientous, honest reliable tradesmen have to put up with all these cowboys that are around.....Im sick and tired of being called to repair others shoddy workmanship, and having the customer moan at me for my hourly rate...my reply- Should have got me to do it 1st.....

J_Tous

I tried out that checkatrade website that was recommended, but unfortunately couldn't find many traders listed for my area - I guess it needs to get a bit more popular.

rizla01

excellent.

Thanks for the info.

I'm about to have a house built from scratch and intend to not employ a builder, just tradesmen. Where I'll find them, god only knows!

Problem is finding the ones that are cheap AND good.

Wish me luck!!

Riz

budgetflyer

DON'T PAY ANYTHING IN ADVANCE !!!!

A sound and worthy trader or contractor would not need advance payment for labour and only advance payments for materials on the biggest jobs. If you're careful about your selection process this won't even come up.!!!!

Most contractors I know wont even turn up without a down payment to cover materials even for replacing internal doors.They are reputable and worthy and intend to stay that way. Thats why they need their costs covered

wadge

I take a deposit to cover my own back. I've been stung before when I've started manufacturing (uPVC windows and doors) without any payment upfront and a day later the customer say they don't want it.

trickyfocus

rizla01 wrote:

Problem is finding the ones that are cheap AND good.

Wish me luck!!

Riz

Good luck.....

Jake54

Some work you can get fix quotes, and other you can only Esimate
Hmm!! allways a dificult one this subject

Again with everything else it's half a dozen of one and six of the other
You have lousey so called "trades" people that mess it up for people like me.
And then you get lousy customer's who mess it up, for the other side
So no one trusts each other.
Ask for refs
Check their previous works and talk to the customers

1.I would say always be on your guard
2.Get every thing in writing. Go over together with whoever your dealing. with.
3.If you are not sure and don't understand have someone there who does.
4.If there's extra unforseen work ask them before they do anything how much.get it in writing (and usually, if it's not to large an unforseen, the job is priced at cost only)
I't's only fair that the person doing the job if they find something unforessen that they should charge for it.
5.Communication and understanding of whats going on.
6.Do not take things for granted
7.Do not make Assumptions
8.Ask questions (reasonable questions)
9.And be reasonable, don't have a go for petty reasons
10.And the first sign of something not right. You usually tell on the first couple of days, if not the first day.
11.Stop the work and have a meeting in a friendly manner and tell them what your concerns are.
Remember nothing to petty, like you've got dirt on my drive whinge, whinge etc.