- If you are having work done to your property and require a builder, you should be very careful in making your choice. As building work often represents one of the biggest investments a person is likely to make, you should diligently check out any builder before employing them.
- If you are embarking on a large project, consider employing a professional person or practice to advise you.
- Make sure that both parties clearly understand the terms of the contract or arrangement. Is it only to prepare plans for the proposed works, or is site supervision part of the package.
- Even if you consider the job too small to warrant a professional, get advice from someone in the industry you know and trust.
- Always get at least three estimates or quotations.
- Do not automatically choose the cheapest quote. It may be flawed.
- Ensure that the details of any contract are expressed in writing.
- Pay as little as possible of the contract sum up front.
- Always get a detailed receipt for payments.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your builder:
Where have you worked before?
Were previous clients happy with the work?
Can they supply references from satisfied customers?
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?
Are they happy to accept a retention clause?
Will they give you a final completion date?
Will they agree to a penalty clause for failure to complete on time?
Will they agree to independent arbitration should a dispute arise? - References should be checked out.
- See examples of previous work and speak to previous customers to assure yourself of the builders performance and reliability.
Contact us
Building Control
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
Tel 020 8496 3000
Email building.control@walthamforest.gov.uk
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