Choosing Your Builder
If you are considering work to your
property and you require a builder you should consider this choice
very carefully. As this is one of the biggest
investments you are likely to make, you should thoroughly check out
any builders before employing their
service.
The following is a recommended "Things to Do" list:
- For large projects consider employing a professional to
advise. Please refer to:
-
- Discuss the extent of your arrangement with your
professional e.g. is it only plans preparation or is site
supervision also part of the package.
- If you consider your job too small to require a
professional, obtain advice from someone in the industry you know
and trust.
- Always obtain at least three quotations and have them
checked and don't automatically go for the cheapest
quote.
- Ask the builder the following questions:
-
- where have you worked before
- are they happy for you to see their work
- what is their expertise in the particular project you
intend to carry out
- how do they want to be paid, on completion or in
stages
- can references from satisfied clients be
supplied
- are they happy to accept a retention clause
- will they give a final completion date
- will they accept a penalty clause on failure to complete
in time
- in the event of a dispute will they agree to independent
arbitration
Finally, reassure yourself by checking out the builder's
previous work, references and other aspects, like work habits, with
previous clients and remember to ask questions
before engaging the builder rather than
after.
Other useful information may be obtained from:
Buy
with Confidence (external website - opens in a new
window) or by telephoning Trading Standards on Tel:
0845 6030081.
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Page Last Updated: 4/11/2006
Eastleigh Borough Council
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Eastleigh Borough Council, Civic Offices, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9YN
Telephone:023 8068 8068; Fax:023 8068 8257; Text:07797 877001
Email:
direct@eastleigh.gov.uk