Looking for Builders in Chislehurst can be a daunting task. Many people rely on word of mouth to find a good builder, whilst others rely on rating websites like Mybuilder.com. Either way, finding a good builder is the cornerstone of your project.
Builders in Chislehurst
Need a new kitchen or perhaps a rear extension? Most of us jump straight on to a google search for “local builder”, but this may be the wrong approach.
4 Tips to Help You Select the Right Builder
- Reliable builders in Chislehurst usually have direct relationships with local architects and building surveyors. Depending on the size of your project you may already be dealing with an architect or planning consultant. Ask for a list of builders they have worked with.
- Taking a trip to your local builder’s merchant at the right time of day could yield surprising results. The parking lot is your target! Yes, I did say the parking lot. Here you will find at least 7-10 medium-sized building contractors which you can easily identify. These guys usually do a pretty good job of advertising their services on their vans. Again, make note of a few, if they are shopping locally for bits and pieces, they either live local or may currently be busy with a local job. [This is good news for you as you may be able to see their work or get a reference from a current client]
- Instant availability. BE CAREFUL! Any builder that is available straight away is unlikely to be reliable and good at their trade. Be careful of instant starters because quality builders are always in demand and rarely take on new jobs immediately.
- For projects, less than £30k pay a small deposit (like maybe £100) with your credit card in order to get free protection under section 75.
The devil is in the detail
Take your time to focus on the detail. Ask your prospective builder detailed questions about the work that is to be done, furthermore find out how any changes to the spec are handled. Confirm start/completion dates including penalties associated with unreasonable delays (if any). How will the site be secured? What safety measures are in place? Confirm not only the cost of the work and materials but also the payment schedule and method. Does the project need catering and lavatory arrangements? Are there set hours of work? What are the arrangements for cleaning up and disposal of waste materials? You will immediately get a better “feel” for your contractor when presenting them with a well thought out set of questions and gauging the responses you get.
Sometimes You Need More Than Just a Builder
You may only need a builder for a small job, like a kitchen installation or bathroom refurb, but for larger projects you may also need project planners, architects, surveyors, structural engineers or even audio video specialists.
When you shortlist your selection of builders, dig a little bit deeper into their network. Ask them about the provision of a complete service which includes, planning, design, building control, interior design, and landscaping.
The ability to confidently answer your questions regarding other services or even better, the ability to source, manage, and provide these services to you, may give you better peace of mind. It could also be more economical and is one of the strategies you can employ to keep the costs down.