Tradesman32

You could even brew your own. It isn't difficult but you might want to get a move on to have them ready for march. All you would need then is printed labels.

There was tongue in cheek with my previous comment but to be serious it is genuinely helpful to get constructive feedback and I will try and put some time to a response soon. The thing is we all have different views on how a building project should run and the main problem is that with a client, there is generally a lack of experience which means managing their expectations through the lifecycle of a large project can be a bit of a roller coaster. We do larger projects like lofts and extensions so the info below relates to larger projects of 10 - 12 weeks+. Do not begin your works until you have agreed on a price. The price must be at least based on an agreed specification leading to accurate and comprehensive architects drawings & engineers calculations with structural drawings. It is advisable to have a programme of works to understand the length of time the works will take. It is also advisable to base a payment schedule that relates the programme of works. If you have all these things prepared on the outset, It will enable the project to be managed and understood by all involved. It is vital everyone is on the same page! I think the key is clear communication. The client and Project manager/ builder need to meet every few days or once a week dependant on the stage the works are at. Discuss what has been done since the last time you met and ensure the works are to the clients satisfaction and design. Discuss what is about to be done. This will raise questions about the works and allow the client to understand what is happening and allow the builder to query any outstanding items or questions regarding finishes for example. Broadly cover what is being done in the next week or even two so the client can take time to consider the decisions required for the upcoming works. If there are changes to the specification, they need to be understood, costed and allowed within the payments and the programme of works. If the project documents are updated in this way, there won't be confusion weeks later when there is a final account or if the initial hand over date is missed. If this communication is maintained through out the project it is very unlikely that something would be missed and the client will have the finished product they want. The builder won't have had to undo any work that may otherwise have been misunderstood. The project will continue without delays which means the builder will not be incurring unnecessary costs and the clients have their homes back at the time they expected. As the old saying goes, Fail to prepare, Prepare to fail

I wonder should I begin a thread about what I have learnt along the way from all of our clients..... That would be interesting! Isn't it great that we are not all the same.. Wouldn't that be boring!

I use the keen group app on my iPhone. Enter the pick up and drop off addresses. Get an immediate quote to the nearest 10p. Choose to accept the quote and a car gets your position on their sat nav. You get a text when they are outside your address. How efficient is that! Up to you whether you go through the headache of phoning a cab base. Try and explain your location. Get a price.. Get a phone call from the lost driver who will be late because he is lost. 3 experiences of this from a local cab office. I always give my post code and house number. While I'm sure there are other apps like it The Keen Group app is one of my better downloads for services in this area and to stay on topic the prices seem reasonable to me too. A very 1st world problem!

PS.. I am not an academic. I finished school years ago.. Boom Boom!

I was researching Audi before I bought the A7 i have now which (against the set guidelines) did come from a google search (but in my defence not a recent one). From my research which has subsequently become my knowledge Audi 5000 came from an issue with Audi's where it was claimed women were running over their children.. It was apparently a fabrication that came from the american car market to combat rising Audi sales

They aren't hard to build. Design it, Buy the material and have a handyman build it for you. Unfortunately if you want a half decent shed you need to spend a lot of money for a pre fabricated one. When comparing apples for apples Im pretty sure you can have one built for you. Most sheds are crudely nailed so they wouldn't be hard to beat in terms of quality and if the carpenter/handyman is worth his salt It should be built in a day too.

Have a couple of site visits in the morning then Im finished. CANT WAIT!!

I am a BT victim

I have had this issue over the last few days and I think Admin made some changes to my settings. What ever was done or potentially not done I no longer have a problem..

Hi Admin, I'm posting this from my phone. My home IP address has come up as blocked for some reason. The note said to contact Admin so hopefully an easy fix. Cheers

The amount of 'abuse' the original cherry tree got over the last year, can you seriously be picky or objective over the company that takes over the premises... Unbelievable!!!

post a photo

You mention that it has come through your cat flap and attacked. Do you have children? Either way it's not acceptable. Deal with it so the Bengal knows it is not feared. I don't want to see the Bengal harmed but in my opinion it will need to be close to that for the cat to be too scared to come back. This may not be a popular post but deal with the Bengal fiercely and you will scare it off

Hi Anders. Thanks for your message. We are moving our sofa, bed, table & chairs and some boxes so the van would need to be like a transit and relatively clear and clean. Thanks for the offer though. Much appreciated!

Not sorted. Unfortunately our arrangements have fallen through so need a man and van for 1pm today. If anyone is availabe please pm. Thanks

Just had a rapid response! All sorted.

Man (or woman) and Van needed for a run from East Dulwich to Crystal Palace on saturday late morning or early afternoon. Please PM if you are interested.

There is another thread on the forum which I will be donating to if that helps. We set up a business a couple of years ago which has become quite successful so we intend to give back. I copied the link. [www.pecan.org.uk]

All you need to do is drive through Calais to the outskirts and you will see plenty of signs for Wine Warehouses. However, I would recommend driving as far south as you can because the prices and the wine available changes dramatically. If you manage to drive 4 - 5 hours south for instance you could get to Nante (loire region), I would recommend going to the hyper markets for Red wine and then to local vineyards for white ( muscadet). In my opinion you will enjoy your trip alot more if you stay over a night and enjoy some regional french hospitality.

I have been in this position before. I know Im stating the obvious here but As the client employed you through the agency it is important to ensure he is clear and open about his intention to employ you directly. We agreed a placement fee with the agency and everyone was happy. I would imagine there will be a payment involved so hopefully the employer is happy to pay it.

Agreed with detailed specific quotes but still don't think ?1800 cuts it. Op's initial request has no detail but I would still stand by my thoughts that ?1800 per sq m is too cheap in London for an extension of any merit. A 'very' quick calculation 5m x 3m with slate pitched roof, 1 window, 1 double door. Extension build time: 8 weeks. Labour: 4 people @ ?600 ea per week. - ?19,200 (average incl general and skilled labour) 6 skips - ?1800.00 Foundations + rising walls - 1500.00 London Stock walls - ?4500.00 Suspended timber Floor - ?1500.00 External window and 1 double door - ?2250.00 Roof + 1 velux - ?2500.00 Insulation, Plaster board & skim - ?3000.00 Electrical - ?750 Plumbing - ?750 Finish Carpentry - ?500 Basic - ?38k

Not sure ?1800.00 per square metre is enough when trying to understand costs of extensions. If the extension was full width (approx 5 metres) and 3 metre projection this would allow ?27k Most extensions I have done come in at double or more than that figure when factoring in all requirements. When you request a quote it will be beneficial if you understand the following. General design and overall dimensions of the build. Also The existing walls of the house you will need to remove. (Steel requirement) External walls material. Block/London stock (Big difference in cost) Type of subfloor. Concrete/Suspended timber Underfloor heating? Roof type. Flat/pitched Roof Finish. Tile, Slate, Rubber, Fibreglass Roof windows? Velux/Flat Bifolds/ sliding/ double doors Use of room. Kitchen/Bedroom (big difference in electrical and plumbing requirements) WC/Bathroom install? Decorative finishes. Walls, Floors, Bathroom? Services/Costs before going on site to build Architect Planning Structural Engineer Building Control Party Wall Surveyor There is a bit to consider...

Thanks for PMs Sorted

Hi Miga, I think the incentive to do a good job should be found within the pride a tradesman should show in his work and his reputation. Where the works are of a small nature there really shouldn't be major issues. I am genuinely sorry to hear you had a bad experience. As a customer you should definitely get the service you were offered and are paying for and Any visitor to your home should have the utmost respect for it. I wish you better luck in the future!