News - 04/08/04
Choosing and using a builder
We have all heard horror stories about cowboy builders and the statistics do make for some frightening reading. Botched home improvement work costs consumers around £1.5bn every year, according to latest figures from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Over 106,000 complaints about cowboy builders were registered with Trading Standards officers, and official complaints are growing at around 5% a year.
But improving your home doesn't have to turn you into the victim of a conniving contractor. There are measures you can take to ensure you don't fall prey to the unscrupulous. Firstly, you could use a builder recommended by a friend or family member - a thumbs-up from someone you trust is worth a lot. However, you should still tread carefully here, especially if the job you want done is completely different to the one your friend asked for.
Alternatively you could take a drive around your area, looking for signs put up by builders after work has been completed and taking notes of those who seem to have done a good job. Or look in the local newspaper for names that appear regularly, or are mentioned in a positive light.
Once you have a shortlist of builders who seem suitable, ask for references and talk to previous customers of the contractor you have in mind. Ian Davis, director general of the FMB, says: "A building firm could be in your home for several weeks, so it is important that you trust them. Get references, which a good professional will be happy to provide."
If a builder claims to be part of a trade association, don't just take their word for it. Check that they really are members before going ahead with any building work. There are plenty of different quality stamps out there, which can be pretty confusing, and rogue traders have been known to lie about being part of a trade association.
When it comes to agreeing a price, you should get quotations from two or three different builders. It's important to be clear about what you want and ask for the quote in writing. "Don't just rely on a builder saying it'll cost around £10,000," says Mr Davis. The FMB says you should avoid builders who offer you a cheap deal for cash in hand. "It's the first sign of getting involved with a rogue trader looking to avoid VAT payments. Also with no contract and cash in hand there is nothing to stop these traders from disappearing into the ether with your money," explains Mr Large.
Beware, too, of the difference between a quotation and an estimate. A quotation is a fixed price that the builder can't change once you have accepted it, even if they have to carry out more work than expected. An estimate, on the other hand, amounts to an educated guess. It isn't binding, and it means that you could end up paying more.
It's common sense, but make sure you get everything in writing, and avoid builders who insist that a written contract is not necessary - it is vital. A contract can prevent misunderstandings and establish the cost and duration of a project. Contracts can also provide you with peace of mind and ammunition if the builder doesn't complete the job according to your specifications.
Once the job's under way, monitor the builder's progress. "If it is a complicated job, arrange a regular half-hour with your builder on agreed days," advises Mr Davis. If you encounter any problems it is essential not to panic or let the builder carry on regardless. Communicate with your builder immediately if you are unhappy with the work as most things can be rectified before completion. But remember to talk to the person in charge - telling subcontractors that you are unhappy with work or that you want to change your mind about something will only add confusion.
If there is a problem, you should first complain, in writing, to the company concerned and give them the opportunity to set the matter right. However, if you can't resolve matters yourself with your builder, it's time to contact their trade association.
Angelique Ruzicka, The Guardian
Wednesday August 4, 2004
Press release - 04/08/2004