Any work you have done on your property is going to be exciting, especially if it is a loft conversion or the addition of an extension or conservatory. However, if you don’t hire a reputable and skilled builder it can easily turn from being this fantastic experience into a nightmarish hell. A successful project requires trust, preparation, and time.
If you are looking to hire builders in surrey, before you do anything else, take a look at what many professionals in the building trade wished you knew.
It’s Important to Do Your Research
When it comes to finding reputable builders, recommendations are usually the best avenue to try first. Failing that or to give yourself plenty of options, you could contact a noted trade organisation like the FMB or Federation of Master Builders. When seeking out quotes, ask for them from at least three to four different firms or tradesmen and get as much information as you can about each of them. Request references, from the previous 6 months.
You should always be suspicious of builders who are reluctant to discuss previous projects they have worked on. If they are confident in their abilities, they will be quite open about what they can and can’t do for you. Further to asking for written testimonials, you should ask if they can give you the contact details for their previous clients.
Don’t Give a Vague Brief
A lot of the problems with building work occur at the planning stage. Rather than giving your builder a very vague brief, sit down and work out what you (and your significant other or anyone who lives in the property with you) wants from the work you are having done. Make sure everyone is clear and sure about all the most crucial details well in advance. Particularly, make note of anything you want that is not standard. If you just put light switches for instance when really you are thinking of having classier chrome finishes, the builder may well just quote you the price for the standard option.
Have good quality and professional print out of your plans for any extension work so they can take it away and quote you properly.
Agree on a Contract and Stick to It
You are spending a considerable amount of money, as most building work is a real investment, therefore you will want to make sure the builder is as thorough and detailed when discussing what is going to happen and when. If they seem unsure about what’s going to be involved and are not reluctant to draw up any kind of detailed contract, it may be time to look elsewhere. The most crucial point is the starting date and timeframe for the project.
Make sure you are firm with this. There are too many builders to mention who have in the past come across clients who were not clear about their expectations for start dates and finishing dates that then got angry and disappointed when these weren’t met. So, make sure you are firm. A good builder will be able to tell you if you are being unrealistic and explain why.