How do i get hold of a decent builder

[jackrory]

Hello, i'm thinking of having my garage converted into an extra room. I have no experience whatsoever of dealing with builders. how do i go about getting somebody reputable, are there any certs or gov. standards that they should have, also do they need to be paid before during or after a job?? sounds silly to ask i know but like i said we've never had anyone work on the house before now. many thanks in advance

 

[Diyisfun]

Have any of the neighbours had recent building work done?, if so ask them if they were satisfied.

 

[noseall]

as said above. recommendation is one of the best ways of finding a good builder.

if you have a local builders yard, it may be worth speaking to the yard manager and asking for the names of the better local builders.

some architects have a list of their recommended builders particularly those who deal with domestic extensions.

you could also ask the local council if their building control division run a 'Built-in Quality Award' scheme. if they do ask for the list of winners and commended builders on that scheme. building control will not recommend anyone directly for fear of litigation but will divulge the list, i'm sure.

 

[jackrory]

good advice thanks guys

 

[^woody^]

"how do I get hold of a builder?"

Normally it's either by the throat or in a head-lock

 

[bathjobby]

Why not use one of the big specialist, there are plenty around such as http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/garage_conversions.htm

 

[Thermo]

"how do I get hold of a builder?"

Normally it's either by the throat or in a head-lock

or the knackers work quite well!

 

[The-brickie]

Why not use one of the big specialist, there are plenty around such as http://www.anglianhome.co.uk/garage_conversions.htm

Not knocking you bathjobby but how can a double glazing company do a garage conversion? Would you ask your optician to look at your teeth? (Mind I would ask Anglian to look at my windows )

Small/medium sized, local, highly recommended builders (as already said) are your best bet.

 

[memor maplin]

I had a patio door put in.
The head Surveyor for the company came to measure up.
"How long you been doing this ?
25 years he replied.

"You must know some good builders?"

He thought for a bit and said,

"NO."

says a lot does that.