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The first thing you need to know is that they're technically proficient. Naturally. Also, that they display a passion for their work; you don't want 'casual' labour.
Plus, you need to know that they will adhere to all professional standards.
But remember too, they're being invited into your home for a period of time so you must be able to feel comfortable having them there.
To ensure they're the right people for the job, you need to ask the right questions. Like:
- Is it possible for me to see examples of your previous work? (A quick drive-past a recent project could give you some clues.)
- Do you have references from satisfied clients? (Glowing, preferably though any positive comments from other clients will do the trick.)
- Do you have current Public Liability Insurance? (This covers the cost of an accident to a member of the public as a result of building work on your property.)
- Will you provide me with a written quotation? (Otherwise they may conveniently 'forget' the price you were originally quoted.)
- Will you agree to the work in writing with a contract? (A JCT contract is often used.)
- Are you happy to accept a retention clause? (This is a provision in a contract that allows you to hold back a portion of payments until the project is complete.)
- Are you willing to provide an insurance backed warranty? (Also known as a Master Bond Warranty, this guarantees work carried out by the builder and contractors for a period of 10 years from completion. This will cost extra; about 1.5% of the total job cost.)
- What's your expertise in the particular project I intend to carry out? (Remember that thing about jacks of all trades.)
- Will you be paid on completion? (If you are to be using specialist materials then you may have to pay a deposit, or, if the job is expected to take several months then payment can either be on completion or at staged intervals with money only relinquished to the builder on your approval of the works carried out to date.)
- Will you give me a completion date? (Some are reluctant to give even a starting date.)
- Will you accept a penalty clause on failure to complete on time? (In writing, of course.)
- Will you agree to independent arbitration should there be a dispute? (It's not expecting the worst, but you never know.)
- Can I get a completion certificate from your Building Control Surveyor/the respective warranty scheme insurer, before making the final payment? (If there's no problem, there'll be no problem.)
Be Wary If Your Builder:
- Won't give you references or details of previous jobs.
- Demands 100% payment up front or deposits for a standard job.
- Is willing to accept cash-in-hand payments.
- Avoids paying VAT.
- Claims that written contracts aren't necessary.
- Claims they can start tomorrow.
- Won't provide you with a budget.
- Won't provide you with a project plan and schedule.
- Doesn't have a registered address or office telephone number.
- Ridicules competitors.
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