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Property/DIY

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Original poster

Have you ever cleared off and left the builders to it?

39 replies

Lottapianos · 17/07/2020 12:51

We need some work done to our kitchen and bathroom, which the builder told us will take 5 or 6 days, hopefully starting end of August. We're thinking of going on a short holiday or going to visit in laws so we're not here under the builders feet and we dont have to deal with the disruption either. Have you done this / would you do this? The builder has been recommended by family members, he has done a lot of work for them and they say hes entirely trustworthy

OP posts:

GalOopNorth · 18/07/2020 11:45

Don’t trust them, keep totally on top of them. It’s awful but not as awful as having to live with their bad decisions and bad work afterwards!

Time40 · 18/07/2020 11:52

Yes, I've done it and it was all fine. I think you have to know and trust your builders to be able to do this with confidence.

RuudGullitOnAShed · 18/07/2020 11:56

Yes and it was fine. Lovely to come home to a job completed.

However our builders are fabulous and have done a lot of work in the house and we trust them completely.
Came home to find the house immaculate and bread and milk for us so we could have a cup of tea and breakfast the next day.

However, it was mainly redecoration rather than major work that might required decision making on our behalf.

JosephineDeBeauharnais · 18/07/2020 11:59

Yes. Huge mistake. Got back to find they'd done all the ripping out, not one room habitable even though they knew the plan wasn't to do that. It was so bad that when we arrived (at night) our NDN was waiting for us and told us not to go inside. We ended up at MiL's for three weeks- at least I did, ExH buggered off abroad for work leaving me with a toddler and his ghastly parents. Builders couldn't have given less of a fuck.

Arnoldthecat · 18/07/2020 12:01

Dont forget to check they have public liability insurance ie you have sight of the certificate AND you inform your own home insurers.

Alloverthegrapevine · 18/07/2020 12:14

Yes, every time we've had anything done.

I must have been very lucky, over 25 years and 2 houses renovated right through never had any issues. We never go for the cheapest quote or one man band firms though, nor the big national organisations.

It needs to be a local but decent sized business, well established with a presence in the area for a number of years to get our business.

Amber0685 · 18/07/2020 12:16

No, major disaster happened polishing wooden floorboards while we were away.

Patbutcherismyhero · 18/07/2020 12:16

I would. I hate living among the mess and disruption. As long as you're clear on what you expect and leave contact details so they can be in touch with any issues or questions then I would say go for it. Whenever I've had work done in the house I've been out at work all day and yes I've been back by evening to check progress but if they wanted to trash the house or rob anything then they'd have ample opportunity while I'm out!

Patbutcherismyhero · 18/07/2020 12:17

Original poster

Lottapianos · 18/07/2020 17:01

Thanks all. Sorry to hear that some of you have had horrendous experiences. Two things make me feel pretty certain that we will leave them to it:

as say, they have done loads of work for family members who sing their praises
the building work involves the bathroom and kitchen. The kitchen sink will be out of action for up to 5 days, and we only have one bathroom, so I'm sure the builders would prefer we weren't here under their feet either!

We will be here on the first and final days, and fully contactable throughout. It would be amazing to come home to find it all done

OP posts:

PinkyBrain · 18/07/2020 17:07

Yes and all fine, just make sure you’re contactable in case anything comes up.

HowManyNameChangesNow · 18/07/2020 23:14

We went away for the first week (whilst they dug foundations.
Wouldn't be away for the whole ting though. Ours were fantastic builders but it was helpful to see the build in progress to know how it was pt together / where all the wires run etc. Also there were several questions that they needed checking / answering even though it was all specified in great detail in the plans.

ILoveAnOwl · 18/07/2020 23:20

We did. Awful decision. Even with photos and plans that got it so, so wrong. I'm still living in the awful mess they ledt behind. I would never, ever do it again.

lookatmememe · 19/07/2020 09:09

I had full drawings for a garden project I was working on, including drawings showing new folding doors and the actual door positioned when opening (stacked up inside on the left)

I had to go into hospital, no chance to swap dates to had a site meeting before, distributed digital copies and printed copies of the plans and perspectives to the team . Thought I'd covered everything.

Came back and they'd fitted the doors inside out so they stacked outside on the right. So they would block the main pathway from side of house when the next phase of job ( on drawing ) would be completed.

So lesson learned that even if you are dealing with so called professionals, you can't leave them un observed.

The doors were changed back to how they were supposed to be. But the guys were adamant their way was better . Totally ignoring the fact the pathway would be blocked . Idiots.

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