Recomendation for Builders/Contractors for Renovation

[JamesSallyandGeorge]

Hello,

We’re on the brink of buying a complete stinker of a house. It needs gutting and everything re-doing: plumbing, electrics you name it. We are also looking to extend up and out.

We are in East Sheen and hoping to find a company that works in West London.

Has anyone had a good experience with a company? If so I’d love to hear about them.

Thanks so much

James

Hi there, I'm not stealth promoting (so won't mention the name) but I work for a Fulham based construction company - used to be a client as have done several renovations. I'd start by asking your neighbours if they can recommend anyone, then ensuring that: you get the actual builder you meet, not a sub-contractor/random team (although subbies can be good but you need to meet them and see that very team's work before committing); the company is fully insured; offers a 5% retention scheme for completion/snagging; can actually introduce you to former clients (means they're still friends) and go with gut feel as you'll have the builder in your life for several months. Make sure the quote is as detailed as poss - we break down to SQM on everything but if you're not very experienced, you won't necessarily notice something isn't included until it doesn't happen - I've heard of quotes that leave out skirting boards, for instance. Guarantee on work should be five years+ and check their trading history on companies house. We're members of FMB and although our work and references were checked by them, I've heard it's not that stringent now, although it's worth having. Good luck!

OP we are looking to do an extension in NW London and in the process of meeting builders. I will try remember to come and post to share information as we move along the process

@NameChangeagain2020 can you recommend a sample contract which can be compared against? It is so hard to know when something is missing when you don't deal with this on a regular basis. The contracts we have been given do include skirting but the technical aspects are those we are not familiar with and would not know if something was missing

The contract is separate from the quote. We tend to use FMB contracts and just give the total project total with a note that it's against quote dated xxx. I can't share an example quote but things to look out for (and ensure it's a quote not an estimate) off the top of my head:
all certificates included at end of projects (electric/building regs/Gas safe), if they're fitting windows, a FENSA cert.
Downlight fittings, switches and sockets - fit only or are these included in electrical costs?
Door handles or fit only of client supplied
Grout and adhesive included in tiling cost
Paint included in decorating
Any exterior work - decoration
Check how far the plastering extends - whole house or just new and affected (ditto decorating)
Radiators - included or fit only
Boiler to include pipework, thermostats, electrical connections.
A good builder will walk through with you a couple of times to explain and break it down into structural, electrical, plumbing etc. Also check if glazing is included. HTH

Oh, and check if VAT is included in the total.

Thank you so much, that is really helpful. Reassuring to know that one of the quotes we have received has all the things you have detailed above which gives me more faith in the builder although currently waiting to meet his former clients. He said his clients sign the quote he has given us and that forms the contract but I will look into this further to ensure both parties are adequately protected if we go with him.
Thanks again