Getting the Best Service For You: Hiring a Service Professional

Getting the Best Service For You:
Hiring a Service Professional

Choosing the right person to build your home or help with renovations can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider other than cost and time expectations. The builder's personality and reputation are among several other considerations to factor into your home building plans.

Finding the Right Builder

The size of your job and how urgent it is can all become a factor when you undertake the selection of a firm. Always consider the following details whatever the size of your project may be:

Write down a full description of exactly what work you want done to the house and how much you expect to spend
Obtain at least two written quotations for the work
Note how carefully the builder inspects or surveys the work required. Did they take measurements, did they seem interested?
Check whether or not VAT is included in your quotation
Check whether the builder is qualified and capable of carrying out the work
Ask your builder about guarantees - and whether the guarantees are insurance underwritten to remedy defects in the event of the builder going out of business
If a quote is too high, it may be worth talking to the builder to see if costs can be cut
There may be a cheaper alternative to finishing your job, consider all options

The Bigger the Job...

If your building requires a larger or more complex work, you may want to follow this checklist:

Consider employing an architect or surveyor to specify and watch over the work as it progresses
Check the memberships of the builders and their connected organizations: CORGI for gas work and IEE for electrical work
Ask the builder for examples of previous work. Take the time to go to those job sites and look around
Ask builders' previous clients about the work they received and if they were satisfied

Making the Business Happen

When you are finally ready to make the decision to use a qualified home builder, you can further protect yourself by remembering these tips:

Agree and sign a written contact with your builder. Do not accept a verbal agreement
This contract should cover the price, extent of the work, working conditions, completion dates, guarantees, quality, payment arrangements, building insurance, and what happens in the event of an unforeseen difficulty
Do not allow people into your home unless they have been invited. Unfortunately, a home that is under visible construction can become a target for thieves impersonating service people
Always get a second opinion and an alternative quote for your building
Never pay any builder until you are completely satisfied with the final product

By making sure that you will be treated with respect and courtesy, you can insure that your building will be completed to the best quality and satisfaction available.

Protect and maintain your home with courteous, reliable, and professional care from British Gas' many Care and Repair packages. Learn More.

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