10 Steps To Help You Avoid Unreliable Builders

In recent years the building trade's reputation has taken a battering due to the unscrupulous antics of the minority of practitioners. As such, many people looking to hire builders may be interested to know how to avoid the unreliable companies in the trade.

1. You will no doubt have a clear vision in mind for what you want the builders to do, however, it will also help you to have a written version too. It will help your chosen builder to stay on track and make sure the quotes you receive are accurate.

2. One of the easiest ways to find a builder you can trust is to use one that a friend or relative has recommended. You may have even seen the work they carried out, so can judge for yourself how good they are.

3. If your friends or relatives have any negative stories about builder experiences to recount, it's worth paying attention to those too. That way, you'll know who to avoid.

4. If you are starting from scratch, a local business directory is a good way to start. As well as providing a list of the builders in your area, it will also give you contact information, website details and reviews from previous customers.

5. You will, however, need help whittling your list down. The National Federation of Builders is a good place to start, so ask them for further advice.

6. Next, you may want to do a few basic searches online including the names of the companies and any individuals that are mentioned. That way, if someone has posted something up about a negative experience, you can strike those firms from your list.

7. Visiting the websites of the companies should also be a useful way of checking out a firm's credentials, but you may want to follow it up by asking them for examples of previous jobs they've carried out.

8. When you have three or four builders in mind, provide each of them with your description (see point 1) and invite them to provide a quote for the work. Be wary of those that are far cheaper than the others, as there may be good reason for their ability to discount so heavily.

9. When you've chosen one of the companies, ask them to provide a detailed breakdown of the work; when they will start and finish the job; their working days and hours during that time; and what planning permission will be required.

10. Most jobs will not require a deposit, so if the firm insists on one you ask for a thorough explanation of the reason. You should also speak to the National Federation of Builders and other practitioners to see if your builder is right to ask for money upfront.

By: Robert Berry-Smith

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If you need builders in Birmingham, why not use a Birmingham directory? LocalMole.co.uk is an online local business directory that can help you find everything from Birmingham electricians to Liverpool plumbers.