Advice on hiring a supervisor for ongoing loft conversion.

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Hi

We're having a loft conversion done by a specialist company (or so we thought), its currently in progress and I'm becoming concerned with some aspects of the work and management of the job (or lack of it).

Because I'm no longer able to keep tabs on the job myself I've thought about employing an independent supervisor/surveyor to asses the current state of construction and make sure the next stages going forward are done correctly and to good standard.

Is this a good idea and if so, what type of professional should I be looking for? I'm only assuming a surveyor is the right person to contact.

Any advice?
 
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Mmm, yes. I kind of realise that. But I seem to be stuck between a rock and a hard place.

So what do you suggest?
 
Well, you need proof for a start.

What kind of things are you concerned about?

How far have they got?

Has the building inspector been out and checked the works/steels etc?

Have building control been involved?
 
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+1 on Paul's comments, building control won't want to get into an argument with said builders, but should be able to point out if there are any things against the regs. If the job is a howler however you would be well within your rights to engage a professional. I would start looking for a retired Architect, or simply someone knowledgeable enough to check the work against the approved dwgs. I presume the dwgs. were sent for approval? ...pinenot :)
 
Presumably you've raised your concerns with the company?

A surveyor would probably be best qualified, but will cost and, as above, the builders will not take kindly.

If building control is being done by the council, perhaps have a word with the inspector. Strictly, they don't look at workmanship and finish etc, but he might informally be able to lean on the builders?
 
Just saying,

If your "specialist company" is one of the well advertised loft installation outfits then its often a paper front for a couple of chancers. The bigger and more insistent the ads, the more likely it is that the specialist company is merely a front. Even the salesmen are subbies.
They sub-contract the actual work out, and the sub-contractors in turn might sub their bit out. Believe me, i've seen this carry-on a number of times.

If the above is irrelevant to your situation, then as advised, a surveyor would be your best bet. Not to be on site constantly but coming in at critical stages eg. before any stage payments are released. Call a couple today for a heads up on terms of engagement.

If the crew are disrespectful or menacing then withold the next payment after informing the company office.
 
Yes ree, this is precisely the situation. The original quote was from a salesman, big promises made etc, then turned out the actual work was being done by a different company entirely. The tradesmen are actually very nice and sympathetic as they are being messed about as well by the company owners. Thanks, I will ring round.
 
Short story of friends in Muswell Hill, London back in the eighties.

A loft salesman showed up, later another salesman arrived. They stayed for almost all that evening and all next day.
Glossy sales lit, recommendations, pics, even a video.

My nice, unworldly friends gave them a large first payment.

Seven months later an architectural draftsman did a great set of drawings - he wouldn't release them without another large fee.

Two years later nothing had happened. Every bit of literature, pics etc. was lifted from someone elses jobs. There was no office, there were many phone numbers.

My friends were lucky in a sense, others had actually had bits of their property opened up and exposed to weather before work stopped, and more payments were demanded before everyone disappeared.

The police didn't want to know.
 

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