I'm in shock...

[Daisybell1]

I'm sorry, this could probably count as a stealth boast but I had to persuade my builders to go home at 7pm last night, and they arrived back here this morning at 7.40. They were cracking on so the plastering could be done today (before the plasterers started another, much bigger job).

This is such a pleasant experience - the ones we've previously used would have done half a day today and knocked off saying "you now need to find a plasterer, call us when its done".

If anyone's in the frozen north west and wants a recommendation then please drop me a pm.

[Uppermid]

I've got some of them too! We had the boiler man her yesterday from 7.30 a 8pm and he was back again at 7.30 today!

They're working on weekends, not too noises though and neighbours are away so not making a nuisance of themselves. They polite and clean up after themselves too.

I'm in the se and so far would be happy to recommend, though probably best to wait til their done!

[onedogandababy]

In the spirit of recommendations...I'm in west Wilts and can recommend mine, they were on site at 7.30/8 am, finished around 4/4.30pm (it was Dec), cleaned up after themselves every day even though no-one was living in the house.

Came in under original quote, finished on time and crucially, made me cups of tea on the day I was about stripping wallpaper

[Bunbaker]

When we had the terrible snow in December 2010 our boiler started playing up. British Gas came out to it even though they had had to abandon their can at the bottom of the hill and walk up through 18 inches of snow. Boy, was I pleased to see them.

[AgathaF]

Where in the country are these lovely builders? We're looking for some at the moment but not impressed so far.

[SilentNightChristmasIsComing]

These posts make pleasant change from disgraceful builder stories.

[MNBirmingham]

That's good to hear. We're embarking on a massive kitchen extension which I'm dreading (have 3 small DCs) and have heard nothing but dire warnings of how builders let you down/don't turn up/ make enormous errors which take lots more time and money to correct.

I don't suppose you could recommend these fantastic builders to other MNers by listing them on your Local pages?

[Uppermid]

Am in se london and once the work is done, if it goes as I think it will, would be happy to recommend

[Daisybell1]

I would be too, once everything's done.

We have paid significantly more for these than for our standard ones, but on the plus side they only use the outside loo, bring their own tea and biscuits and the main chap has the clout and the organisation skills to get his trades in when he needs them.

Oh, and they made my 2yo Chief Pencil Holder last night when they were finishing off

[sh77]

Daisybell - i am a nw lass living in london. Would they be interested in a job in london?

[sh77]

Daisybell - i am a nw l. I would be very interested in their details please.

[MummytoMog]

Pah. Alright for you. My builders are a bit on the 'unreliable' side. Although I don't mind them leaving early, they do seem to do a fair amount of work in the six hours they're here each day. Just wish they'd warn me when they weren't going to turn up so I could stay in bed.

You've reminded me I need to email them though. Sigh.

[poocatcherchampion]

oh we've had fantastic tradesmen in south Birmingham - electrician, plumber and plasterers so far.

however I wish they would come more like 9 than 8! its a pita getting 2 babies up and breastfed and me dressed by then - we normally sleep until 8 and down for breakfast 9ish onwards. it seems so cold at 8!!

[ReluctantBeing]

Aren't there laws about the hours contractors are allowed to work between?

[justabigdisco]

I would like the details too please!

[Daisybell1]

Poocatcher, I think 8 is pretty standard round here. We were all still in pjs yesterday after a hideous toddler night, they just laughed at us

Reluctant - do you mean the noise laws? We're in a very rural area and the late finish was much less antisocial (no stone saws in the front garden) than when we're lambing/silaging

[steppemum]

we have an excellent builder here too (swindon) but he does get very booked up.
can also recommend a plumber, very nice, reliable and always good value.

[RalphGnu]

Hi Daisybell, I'm in the North West and friends of mine are looking at quotes for an extension so would be very interested in your recommendation, if you'd like to send me a PM?

[Helliecopter]

Will you let me know too please DaisyBell1 - I'm having an extension built at the moment and my builders are okay. The roofers were brilliant, and the joiners good too, staying until way after dark, but there have been days when nothing has happened and I was expecting it to...I think they've taken on too many jobs and are using subcontractors, which is not why I chose them!! So a recommendation would be great for future projects :)
(I'm in the NW too)

[MrsTaraPlumbing]

Hard working professionals who work long hours because they are self employed is normal.
All your good experiences are normal.
Unfortunately it is the small percentage of annoying and disasterous tradesmen that get us all talking - so it is easy to think the are all like that.

[FriskyMare]

I'm in the NW and had a roofer here yesterday working in the torrential downpours we had throughout the day. it only stopped raining when he'd finished!

[RandomMess]

marking my place just in case I ever need someone!

[SunnyUpNorth]

Please could I have the details too daisy bell, I'm in the north west.

helliecopter please could I have your roofer and joiner recommendation too?

Thanks.

[DIddled]

We are 1/3 of way through major building job- new roof soffits fascias (whatever they are :) , extension over existing , bathroom refit and one additional new bathroom creating another bedroom, so adding one new bathroom and bedroom.Kitchen diner knock through new kitchen new boiler - phew shattered just writing it!! Pretty hellish living conditions only the three bedrooms are unaffected- plus it is p@@@ing down and has been for past few weeks.

Garden looking pretty trashed, front looks like a building site.

But great set of lads, they are here at 7.30 each day, gone before we get home. They clean up as best they can, I am not expecting miracles given the weather and scale of work. I feel comfortable leaving them in the house- which is essential for any job you have done.

They came recommended having done my friend a magnificent extension last year.

Give me a few weeks and I will be happy to provide a fuller picture and some snaps if required.

Their quote was one of the lowest- but I know my builders materials and they are using good quality gear.

[dramajustfollowsme]

I had similar landscape gardeners. I had to practically throw them out when it was pitch black!
They were less than half that others had quoted too.