How to find the right builder

1. Before you commit to a builder for your building project it is always a good idea to ask if you can visit a site they are currently working on.
2. Do some basic research online so you have a basic understanding of the processes and time that will be involved in your work.
3. Do not rely on websites that rate builder?s performance, it would be relatively simple for a dodgy builder to buy his mates a few pints to get them to write up some good online references.
4. The first contact with your contractor is probably the most important, ask yourself the simple questions, did he turn up on time? Did he stomp round your home in muddy boots? Did he carefully take all your details? Was he upbeat and enthusiastic about your project?
5. The next item is the quote, good builders are busy servicing their existing customers so expect to wait 14days for a complex or larger project. Does the quotation contain terms & conditions? Does it contain references? Does it contain a clear payment plan? Is the work broken down into the various sections?
6. Dodgy builders will always be over optimistic on price and project time it takes some backbone to tell a customer that the previous two rogues that have visited have only allowed half the realistic time needed.
7. It is always a good idea to try them out on a small project first but some of the best contractors will only work on larger contracts as they have the luxury of being able to pick their jobs, so let them know in advance or they may not take the job on.
8. Do not hand over large sum of money, but there is no general rule, if a contractor has 5 domestic extensions ongoing he cannot be expected to find ?100,000 of working capital to fund his customer?s projects. The key here is do not be embarrassed just sit down and discuss the stage payments and your contractor should be able to explain and justify his payment schedule.
9. Ask the builder what his procedure is for re-work should there be any issues once he has finished and been paid. A wink a smile and trust me love/mate is not acceptable they should have a written procedure.
10. Check their insurances it is not particularly expensive so most will have it but always check they are used to being asked, but do not worry if they do not have a copy with them as long as they can show it before money changes hands.
11. If anything does not look right speak up straight away, there may be a simple answer but you need your fears answering and to make sure there has been no miscommunication of what you want.
12. Even the best contractors do not get everything prefect first time they will describe this as ?snags?, give them a chance to put right any defects and be reasonable.
13. If things do ?go wrong?, the courts are a long and stressful route to a potential half victory, so chose a contractor who is reasonable who you feel will ?meet you half way?. It is a fact that not all people naturally get on so pick someone who you feel you could sit down and come to a mutual agreement over a cup of tea.
14. If you cannot agree, do not allow things to deteriorate just pay up for the work done, be reasonable and move on, one word of warning builders are cautious of finishing another builders work and it can be more costly.
15. Chose a reasonable local contractor, no one like the idea that their builder could be back in Spain after the job has finished.
16. Be nice, builders may be your servants for a few weeks but giving them a warm drink on a cold winters morning and giving them access to you downstairs toilet will make them go the extra mile on the finish of your work.
The advice above may not offer complete protection from the famous ?cowboy builder?, but it will make their life a little harder. We wish you the best of luck with your project.
This article was written by : Richard Haynes, known as Derbyshires gentleman builder.