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Federation of master builders

3 replies

pootlefump · 11/09/2023 08:33

Named changed recently. I know there are some very knowledgeable people on here so posting this latest conundrum.... after so much bad luck with our property renovation so far we had finally got to the point where we could have a builder start v soon. We haven't committed to anything yet but last night agreed that we have to just crack on with it now and although costs a lot more than we originally thought/hoped this guys price is similar to all the others and he's local/ just finishing a build nearby etc.
Apparently had some cancellations due to cost of living etc hence being able to start soon.
Main issue is - I did a massive Google last night and all looks fine until I spot that he was expelled from the fmb (see title!) a few years ago. Now I've looked for other builders that we know and they're not even on the main list (ie not part of the fmb at all) but the fact that this guy was and was expelled obviously rings massive alarm bells. I know that without knowing why this was no-one can say how big a deal it is but keen for anyone close to this sort of business to give their view. (Obviously we will ask him what it's all about!)

OP posts:
Selfbuilder3 · 11/09/2023 15:53

Our awful builder was a member of the FMB and we were going to use their dispute resolution service but then the builder went into liquidation (and set up another company so they go on scamming people). If this builder has been struck off they must have had serious complaints against them upheld so I’d steer very clear. Bear in mind the FMB is a trade association so is primarily there for its members and they don’t want to lose any membership fees over anything small. Don’t be taken in by some sob story, bad builders are full of those! One thing I wish we’d done is get a quantity surveyor to check out our quotes and find the holes in them. The holes are there on purpose so the builders can later say “oh we didn’t cost for that, you’ll have to pay extra”. Sorry, that’s probably not what you want to hear but you don’t want to be out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Selfbuilder3 · 11/09/2023 15:55

Oh, and beware of google reviews etc. We realised later they had got family members to post good reviews.

pootlefump · 11/09/2023 17:37

Thank you I really appreciate your posts and advice! Sounds like you had a dreadful experience!

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