Expecting builder guidance

[FantaIsFine]

Hi sorry posting AIBU for traffic, I'm desperate

I am relying heavily on builder recommendations for actual specifications for an extension so think windows function/mechanisms, floor actual type (not look), plumbing options.

There has been one massive (costly) fuckup

I don't know to what extent input is normal expectation or if they are being generous offering input at all and I should be undertaking all elements of research myself.

Panicking about who to trust in decision advice. My mental health is suffering massively.

I can't find how to include BU options for voting but let's say
BU - it is and should all be on you
NBU - reasonable to expect experts to advise

There has been one massive (costly) fuckup

who was at fault?

who designed the extension?

I would say that asking builders to specify is a dangerous game. If you want things designed, then you need to pay someone like an architect.

I wouldn't rely on builders. Unless it's a full on design-build company, it's not really their role.

I'm sure many builders are great (don't come at me...) but personally I've never come across one that thinks more than 10 minutes ahead. So I really wouldn't trust them with complicated decisions which might have knock-on implications.

If it’s a complex project you need an architect. Alternatively you could find suppliers (eg glazing manufacturers or door suppliers, etc depending on materials required) and visit them yourself with all measurements and let their sales person guide you through the choices available.
I wouldn’t expect a builder to choose a back door/window options/flooring etc unless you knew them well and had visited suppliers with them or given clear visual guides. Builders’ aren’t project managers from start to finish. Seek experts! If you find things you like at the suppliers you can then show the model to your builder and ask their opinion. Good luck!

I think it totally depends on your relationship with your builder and what they are prepared to do. I chose one who would guide my choices because I trusted him. Some will just build your spec. Some will provide input.

Generally it is better to get your architect involved in the project management so that they can guide you.

I agree that expectations need to be clarly defined up front. For example, if I'm looking to get a new bathroom fitted, I'll probably have a clear idea about how it'll look when finished, but I dont have the knowledge about the best way to achieve this in a way that will be reliable and long lasting. My experience is that some builders will give you the cheapest possible price, when what I want is for them to say "This is the cheapest price I can do but you might have problems with x, y and z moving forward, but if you pay a bit more, I will change this and that and it will be better in the long run". My advice would be to ask them what they would do if it were their own home.

Our architect did all that stuff and liaised with the head builder guy so it was all done properly.