Off Topic: Builders

[jee...@blueyonder.co.uk]

While I'm asking for recommendations, if anyone knows of a good builder
please pass on their details.

I need a few small jobs doing (cutting a new internal doorway, removing a
fireplace etc.) and I can't seem to get any recommendations. The few
people I have had quotes from didn't strike me as being particularly good
value or appear particularly reliable.

As I'm not from the Midlands originally I don't have family in the area to
ask for recommendations - so I thought I'd clog up your inboxes instead.

Cheers,

Gareth.

[Patrick Neame]

You could try Rob Lane 0121 705 0 507. He used to be into this sort of
thing but I think he's gone into house purchase and refurbishment now.

[micko...@blueyonder.co.uk]

> Whoever you get to do the job, get a quote in writing first, and full
payment only on satisfactory completion

[Derek Buttery]

references and insurance are a must, preferably a member of a professional body usually ensures adequate experience / qualifications...

if you have a quote, make sure it's itemised (ie hourly rate for worker(s), how much does he charge for travel time, rubbish removal etc...)

removing a fireplace may have more demons than you could imagine. how old is it?, does it need extra support?, how stable is the flue (if there is one)?, removal of back boiler, old gas connections may need to be moved, etc...

... a lot of builders will ask for approx 40-50% payment (raw materials etc...) before work is commenced,or during the work, don't know of anyone who would work with the possibility of not being paid (it's a 2 way street), and ask to see receipts. a decent outfit shouldn't be 'making' on top of purchases.

hth

Regards

Dek

VTID

http://familybutteryincanada.blogspot.com

> Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:10:37 +0100
> Subject: [MMUG] Re: Off Topic: Builders
> From: micko...@blueyonder.co.uk
> To: mmug...@googlegroups.com

[peter]

Demand a quote.   Do not accept an estimate.

[micko...@blueyonder.co.uk]

> Had 2 jobs done, by Master Federation people, one a roofer, one a
builder. Both did not live up to the expectations. Don't expect the job
to be done ok just because you are paying. When they finish the job,
they give you the invoice sharpish, and it could be left with your
maiden aunt. From then on you have to act very quickly, something people
do not take into account when you pay someone, to after all, just do
their job. Very important, now, ask the man who turns up to price the
job will he be doing the work. Have a reasonable timescale in writing.
Good luck.

[Derek Buttery]

was it the master fed of builders?, if so, did you follow it through?

they usually investigate complaints quite thoroughly, and take them rather seriously, and there is a compensation 'fund' for extreme cases, and payment of invoices should be agreed beforehand (not uncommon for 30 days balance on anything already handed over...), also payment via credit card / credit card cheque offers further insurances from your credit company.

Regards

Dek

VTID

http://familybutteryincanada.blogspot.com

> Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:45:01 +0100