How to spot a cowboy builder before being ripped off.....?

[Frankito]

Just reading a thread on Gossip section re Cowboy Andrea Binda and ir has me very worried..... We are looking to go out to tender within the next month or so on a sizeable rear extension project and suddenly rhe whole thing fills me with dread...

Is there any fool-proof way to guard against being royally ripped off? I would rather rant about that now than in six months time after the event?

Why isn't the industry tightly regulated as such stories aren't new?

Or is it and I am just missing something?

Advice please - constructive (haha!)

[MoonBaby]

Frankito depends what you need. I will advice to get the DIY book to learn the basics

about their job so know what they are talking about and get a few quotes.

For example some people pay a lot of money for plaster and this job is not that

expensive. I have pay ?5,50p sq mt plus their time.

[Huguenot]

Ideally you need to break the job down into all its component parts and then ask builders pitching for the business to offer dates, labour and materials costs against each.

The builder will need to do this anyway to organise the tradesmen, so there shouldn't be too much trouble.

When you look at the different quotes you'll probably see big differences on some lines - these are the ones you need to question more closesly.

Look in particular for large differences in materials - builders may attempt to over order 'to be on the safe side' and then carry off surplus!

You should expect to pay a small amount up front for materials, but subsequently stage your payments only against achievements of the tasks originally quoted. You should not pay for labour up front, because you can be sure that the builder doesn't!!

Rip offs only happen when you pay so much in advance that it's more interesting for the builder to run off than finish the job properly.

Be prepared to try and find a third party who works independently who can check on the quality of the job for you on a regular basis.

Finally always keep back a reasonable sum of money until after the snagging is finished and building regulators have checked it meets legal standards.

NEVER pay for a job before its finished. Materials yes sometimes, labour NO.

[Moos]

Check references carefully, visit the sites and talk to the owners.

Have a tight contract with payment based on percentage of work completed, with holdbacks, as Huguenot suggested.

[Loz]

There are loads of recommendations and warnings on the forum. Have a search.

[Jah Lush]

Does he ride a horse, wear a check shirt, jeans, chaps, ten gallon hat, boots and silver spurs and maybe a holster for his gun? If so that's your man.

[Frankito]

Thanks for advice people, some great advice..

[womanofdulwich]

or if you know a project manager type person who are his preferred contractors?

[Pamelita]

We have permanent builders who have worked for us for more than 10 years

unfortunately they are very busy.

They are working for a big property development building and refurbishing luxurious apartments in Holland Park

and kensighton.

I always wait for them when I need some work done becouse they are polite,

reliable and honest and their job are the highest standards.

I will be offering my service in the near future as a Project Manager looking to work

with my team of builders highly recommended.

[Huguenot]

Tarot?

[Pamelita]

If anyone needs something urgent 0800Handyman is one of the best

trade agencies in london. Tel: 080042639626