Builder has pulled out - perspective needed

[Littlepicklehead]

Devastated doesn't come close.

Our builder was due to start in under two weeks, we had a meeting yesterday where we went through the final points. He even mentioned that we would be sorted before Christmas!

Apparently now the distance is too far for his builders to come each day (30 min drive). I don't know that I believe this, he mentioned taking on other jobs so I think this has played a part.

Obviously we don't stand a chance of getting another builder to start this year, so we are facing another Christmas in cramped conditions limiting what we can get the children as there is no space for any more toys :(

But more importantly, we'll go back to the drawing board and get more quotes sorted. But how can we stop this from happening again? We were about to do the jct contract, should this be sorted earlier on?

Any words of wisdom :(

Where are you based Littlepicklehead? And how big a job is it? You might be surprised. Even good builders sometimes have slots - a job they are signed up for gets delayed by planning etc etc.

To be honest, sounds like you have had a good swerve. Anyone that lacking in professionalism & moral backbone would have shafted you. And 30 minutes - he needs a kick up the arse. I've had builders work for me who have commuted an hour and a half etc.

Any competent builder should require four weeks to mobilise his work force and materials. The JCT contract, presumably minor works, can be completed and signed prior to this four week lead in time which will show your builder is committed and give you some redress for non-perfomance.

Roughly what area are you in and what sort of work is it you have planned? I may be able to recommend some companies for you.

South east London.

I'm going to go back to some of the other jobs. It's just hard with it being autumn, but I guess we shouldn't give up. The decent builders seem to be booked up for ages though.

It's such a minefield, how on earth do you find someone decent?

Thanks Aimlessly, it's a rear extension. It's a bigger job than most because we are reconfiguring internally as well. Pretty straightforward though.

I was planning my lovely kitchen today :(

It's such a minefield, how on earth do you find someone decent?

Word of mouth! A lot of the good building firms don't advertise as they don't need to. My DP has a building company and there just aren't enough days in the week for all the jobs he has coming in. In twenty five years he has never advertised - all his jobs are either with previous clients or by recommendation of previous clients.

Tue. Time to post on all the local boards I can find I think.

If anyone here does have any recommendations please let me know!