questions for builder

[geogteach]

Right we have considered all the quotes we got for our kitchen extension and now have the builder we have chosen coming back for a chat on Friday. I need to ask him how long the job will take, when he can do it, get him to quote for replacing downstairs cloakroom while he is at it, make sure he relocates the outside tap, what else may I have forgotten? What do you wish you had considered when embarking on an extension?

[jeanjeannie]

DP is a builder - he expects to be asked all the questions you've asked..Plus:

1)How many jobs does he do (or plan to do) at one time. Many builders place two jobs together and work simultaneously and they should tell you if they plan to do this.
2) Has he got insurance?
3) can you see his work in person? We show prospective clients work all the time.
4) If he is planning to use an electrician is he part P registered?
5) Is all the planning done? Is a structural engineer involved? Does the work involve building regs and inspections at certain points of the build?
6) Payment - what percentage up front for materials? Arrange for a schedule of payments at certain points in the build - you inspect the work and pay when you're happy. You then carry on the same way until it's complete. Is VAT included in the quote?

Can't think of anything else!
HTH

[geogteach]

Thank you that is helpful, some of it I already have covered but not all, anyone got any practical points I may have forgotten? Just reading this has made me remember need to get phone point moved, i'm sure there is loads more I will forget and kick myself later!

[MadameCastafiore]

I would say a schedule of payments with the last payment being on cpmpletion of the jb and your snagging list being completed.

Unless he agrees to this tell him to feck orf and make usre he agrees to a timetable upon which the job is to be completed with financial penalties for over runs of any major consequence.

Remember he is not doing you a favour - you are employing him.

Tell him you want the names and references of all the tradesmen that he is planning on bringing to site and references for them and his guarantee that if they cause any damage he is responsible for the cost of that damage, also if anything goes missing he is responsible.

Basically cover your arse - after 3 years we have had all kinds of trouble and our friend who is an architect said most people are too scared to act like a boss with tradesmen and they almost feel thankful that the person is working for them at all - YOU ARE THE BOSS!