3 shires construction ltd

Choosing a Building Contractor

Your property is probably one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Therefore it is very important that you choose your contractor very carefully when you plan to undertake any building or alteration works on your property.

Here are a few simple points for you to consider when preparing for your work and choosing your contractor. These may help to reduce the need for a complaint.

Contact us to check whether or not your need any consents to be granted. You may need approval from Planning or Building Control

You may require consent from your mortgage company and/or insurance company

It may be necessary to discuss your plans with your neighbours, especially for works on party walls (walls shared by your building and your neighbour’s). This will help to avoid disputes as the works progress

Draw up a specification for your proposed works. If the works involve extensive alterations or extensions, plans should be produced

To begin, shortlist your choice of firms by recommendation, past use or local knowledge. See the useful information list

Get written quotations (not estimates) from at least three of the contractors on your shortlist. Remember that the cheapest option may not necessarily be the best. It is always useful to contrast the quotation with the contractor’s reputation for quality of work

Get references from some of your chosen contractor’s previous clients

After you have selected a contractor

Draw up an agreement which covers: the work to be carried out, agreed price, start and finish dates and methods of payment

Do not be pressurised into agreeing to any additional work or modifications which could prove an unexpected cost

It may be advisable to take out an insurance-backed guarantee against the contractor going into receivership before the works are finished

Never pay deposits or advance charges. Always stagger payments evenly over the duration of the contract as a means of keeping the work progressing. Retained payment is the most effective way of ensuring defects discovered after completion will be corrected

Be as clear as you possibly can about the way you intend to deal with any dispute arising over the work

Always be fair with the contractor. Pay bills promptly if satisfied to avoid unnecessary ill feeling.

Beware of con-men – they can be a safety hazard

The plausible con-men who persuade householders to have work carried out on their property are not only dishonest, they can be dangerous.If a customer decided not to pay because the work is shoddy, the so-called tradesman can become threatening and will make every effort to get paid early.

There are even reports of householders being accompanied to their bank or building society to draw out the cash for the job before the work has been completed.

Con-men may use a variety of methods and introductions when they knock on a person’s door in order to try and gain their confidence. They may say they’ve got some tarmac left over from a big contract, tell you that you’ve got some loose tiles on your roof, or even that your house has been chosen as a show home and offer you a fitted kitchen or double glazing at a bargain price.

Be on your guard against these offers, and never pay anything in advance – you will probably never see the “work-man” or your money again.

Some con-men may make out that they are on official business, and tell you that you can get a government or council grant for the works. Remember that these sellers are aiming to get your confidence and get invited into your home. They will be hard to get rid of when the chat turns to hard selling.

Most important of all, always ask for proof of identity. Never let anyone in to your home unless you are absolutely satisfied that they are genuine.