Recent content by ChrisW_Midlands

Apply direct through the CSCS website, don't use a third party service. They just charge you extra for doing something you can do yourself in 10 minutes. For the HS&E test, book it through the CITB website. Pick a local test centre and a date that works. It's multiple choice, not hard if you...

Spent the morning chasing a kitchen fitter who was supposed to start Monday. No show, no call. Finally got hold of him at lunchtime and he's double booked himself. Back to square one finding someone for next week. Joys of running a small firm.

For a small window like that I'd budget half a day's labour plus materials. £400-500 all in is about right depending on your area. The lintel swap is the bit that takes the time, not the brickwork itself. If the existing lintel is rotten, definitely replace it rather than just bricking over the...

Definitely get a second opinion before committing to a full replacement. I've seen drainage companies push for complete replacements when a localised repair would have done the job. If it does need replacing and it's within 3m of the boundary, you'll need building control sign-off. Your builder...

Just wondering what everyone uses to keep track of expiry dates on things like CSCS cards, first aid, insurance, etc. I've got 4 lads working for me and between them that's about 15 certs to keep tabs on. Had a close call last month where one of my guys turned up on site with an expired CSCS...

£18k doesn't sound mad if it's a proper job with new joists, insulation, and making good afterwards. Labour alone on that kind of work adds up fast, especially if access is awkward. Always worth getting a second quote though. Not to beat the price down, just to see if the scope of work matches...

I went through something similar a few years back. Started as just "Chris W Building" doing a bit of everything, then realised I was getting most of my work from kitchens and bathrooms. Rebranded to focus on that and the right jobs started coming in. Biggest tip: update everything at the same...

Good thread. I run a small building firm and we've had a couple of lads look into AC and heat pump work as a sideline. The demand is definitely there, especially with the push towards renewables. One thing I'd flag though, make sure you stay on top of which qualifications you actually need...