Builders Recomendations needed

[RaynesParkNewbie1]

I am not sure where to start in a new area when you just don't know anyone. I need to find a good builder for an attic conversion and an extension but would really love to talk to someone whose used them. Not just look at possibly made up reviews. Has anyone used anyone in SW London or know where I can start to look?

My neighbours and I used More Space. We were both very happy. Completed on time and cost exactly as quoted:

www.ineedmorespace.co.uk/

Go on to your local council website and look for trading standards Checkatrade part of website. They are vetted by trading standards, check their insurance policies every month and take up references,.

Any good builder will be booked up months in advance.

Check out Citizens Advice website and search on there. Theye have generalised advice about steps to take.

Good luck!

I know a good builder in Sutton. We’ve seen a lot of his work and it’s very good + he’s professional and easy going. Raynes Park is a short drive so maybe he’d take stuff on.
Let me know if you’re struggling for someone closer by and I can get his number off DH.

I work for a SW London building firm - this is not a stealth promote as I use Mumsnet for other things. Here's what I'd recommend: Look at FMB - it's not bullet-proof but it's a start to find established builders. They checked our accounts and insurance plus sent a surveyor to one of our completed jobs to check our workmanship. Ask if the company subs out the work - this isn't necessarily a bad thing as you may get a great team - or not. So, if they do sub out, meet the actual team you'll be assigned to, plus see some of their work, not the principal contractor's. Also check what team will be on site - foreman/project manager/lines of comms - and check level of English with the foreman. We don't sub out and have about 60 crew which means we can start quite quickly (as we have a demo team/finishing team/etc which we rotate), so don't use a quick start date as a negative, esp not in the crowded SW London market.

See how long the company has been trading continuously - some of them (even the big players) have gone under and re-emerged. Again, could be bad luck (I know another builder who wasn't paid for a job and had to declare bankruptcy but he's a great builder). We introduce potential clients to former clients - we don't expect people to rely on our online reviews. A good builder would be delighted to do this and also shows they've been able to maintain good relations with clients. Also, means you get to see the actual job. Another thing we've started doing is giving a tour of an active site so the potential client can a)see what hell is ahead of them and b) meet the team and see if we're a fit. Returning for snagging: we hear that this can be a struggle, esp if a building team has come over just to work/knock out a conversion. Retain at least 2.5% until the job is completely finished and ANOTHER 2.5% which you'll pay in 6 months to cover any snagging/faults that arise. Have you got drawings done yet? I can reco the guy we use via PM plus structural engineer if any use? Party wall surveyors are another thing to consider - I know a few but this seems to be the hardest part given proximity of houses in SW London. There are a lot of good build companies in SW London, but given the huge finances involved in builds, you're very wise to be cautious. Finally, quotes: it's really hard as you won't know if something's excluded... until it's excluded. I've heard of doors being quoted without architraves, windows without window cills, extensions without skirting boards so make a list of every possible element and check it's on the quote - which should be line by line, not just a paragraph. HTH

Thank you have checked the website

TOP 10 TIPS FROM THE BUILDER

• Deposits 0-20% (there is a severe risk of losing it if the company does not have a good history)
• Check reviews online then Check the references (actually, visit 2 recent jobs and speak to the clients) then check companies house papers and directors history
• Check builders insurance
• FMB builders usually are a safer option.
• invest in detailed drawings plus job specification
• the contingency of 5 to 15%is advisable depending on the level of details in the spec.
• pay for stages of work not for time
• keep min 2.5% of the budget for final payment for at least 3 months from practical completion.
• check lead time for you finishing materials like bi-folds and kitchen well ahead.
• you can save vat on labour by going with guys who are below VAT threshold (i.e. electrician, plumber, kitchen fitter, decorator) but you need to have some experience in project management.