Any time a home owner is ready to make big improvements to their house, such as building an extension, it is normally necessary for them to find a reliable builder. This can be a daunting task. But, you should not overly worry because there some essential tips that can help you choose wisely. By applying common sense and taking the time to research builders, and by writing clear instructions, you can save yourself a lot of frustration and disappointment. Here are some vital tips for hiring the best person for the job:
Research – No matter what you want to have done, you need to do a bit of research to make sure the builder you are looking to hire has done quality construction in the past. From the builder, obtain a list of approximately 6 customers he has worked for before, and call them to get their opinion. If you can, you might even want to go to one of their properties to see the construction with your own eyes. This is especially helpful if the work done there is similar to the work you need done. If this is not possible, you should obtain letters of recommendation from the builder’s customers. A trustworthy builder will gladly give you such a list. If he is reluctant to do so, this will be a huge red flag and you should probably look elsewhere.
Appearance And Behavior – One on one contact should be a tell all session as far as appearance. Ask yourself essential question during your meeting such as: How is the builder dressed? What does his company vehicle look like? The answer will likely be one of two options, grungy or professional. The behavior is another key factor. If the builder refuses to commit to a time frame of completion or a specific work schedule and quickly announces a cheap price without properly assessing the job, do not walk away, run! These are clear indications that you are not dealing with a true professional that will strive to produce quality workmanship for you.
Work With An Established Local Company – The best way to stave off a bad builder experience is to go with a building company that has been in your neighborhood for a long time. This is because they have to protect their image in the neighborhood, or else news of their poor service or workmanship will get around to other potential customers. The best situation is a builder that is an LLC instead of a sole proprietorship; however, this is not completely necessary if you feel the other positives outweigh this negative. You will want to make sure the builder has an actual physical address, a valid phone number, and if you are being charged a VAT, you need to verify his VAT registration number. Do not put much faith in a cell phone number or an email address if those are the only means of contacting the builder because these can be changed very easily.
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