To think my builder should give a guarantee on the extention

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About to have a small extention built on our lounge. Have asked the builder (who's come highly recommended and seems a decent sort) how long the guarantee on th e build wil be. He said no one had ever asked for a guarantee before.

AIBU to ask for one and is there any wording I can suggest to him for the guarantee, as think he's just clueless about this, rather than being a rogue builder.

Suggest that your mortgage or buildings insurance won't allow the work without a guarantee? No idea about the wording tho!

We specifically chose a builder that offered a ten year warranty, none of the other companies did one. Don't think we have any specific wording though, will have a look.

how long were you thinking- it isn't unusual to ask for a six month retention of 5-10% of the price, so when its finished you pay 90% and in the next six months they sort out any problems that appear before you pay the last instalment.

No it's not usual.

The building industry is covered by existing laws (sale and a upply of goods and services regulations) for things to be fit for purpose and remedial work to be done free of charge if there are issues.

Of course, if the builder goes bust you're stuffed!

However, the law does give you rights.

You can also choose a builder who is a member of a professional association that gives you the client protections. Double check on the association what is covered and that the builder is definitely a member.

Lastly, it's worth making sure you can pay by credit card and getting yourself a fab credit card that offers the best possible protection for the things you buy on it.

Take a look at this:
www.cefni.co.uk/cms/ShowPageContent.aspx?CODE=BGSC