How do I find a decent builder.. cowboy bodged it up

[Oucht]

I mean I didn’t think it was hard but we’ve had building work done and it’s appalling.

It’s all been done wrong - unknown until it was covered up and they wouldn’t accept what they had done was not right so we’ve now paid them to go away and have to start all over again.

Asked all the right things.. have you done this before? Have you worked on timber Framed properties? Got recommendations. Chose someone local who’d been in business 40 years and it’s still gone tits up.

Any Chelmsford Essex builder recommendations?

Hi,

Are you still looking for someone?

Yep tried a few other builders but they’re not interested in helping.

I have been in the trade for many years now and seen some very poor works that were done by other so-called-builders! The first point you need to do is get such cost put in writing in whats to be done and at what cost, if they will not do this, then do not engage them. Also don’t get an estimate, get a quote…estimates have a chance of the cost being raised for some alleged extra works. Your quote should list all works that is to be done. Such should also list the payment terms of when and how to pay. Give preference to anyone who only accepts payment via bank payments, it gives you an audit trail and shows they are prepared to have an audit trail of payment. Use your instinct, if it feels wrong it probably is, if they only have a mobile number, then be very cautious. As I was tought many years ago…measure twice, cut once, please all do the same when choosing anyone to work in or on your home.