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Callington, Liskeard, Looe, Bodmin, Torpoint, Saltash, Plymouth, Launceston, St Austell, Polperro, Seaton, East Cornwall, West Devon

ADVICE ON HIRING A BUILDER CONTRACTOR TRADESMAN

Getting the right person to carry out your Building Work, Loft Conversion or Extension is the biggest concern for any Home Owner who is about to undertake a building project or conversion.

Honest and reputable craftsmen can always provide references and feedback that will justify your choice in selecting them. Always ask for references when embarking on a project - Good reputable tradesmen will be able to provide this for you and will in turn want your feedback to build their reputation.

Before entering into any agreement with a Builder or Building Contractor we suggest that you read and follow the recommendations below. Our guide is designed to be a helpful insight into how to approach a project.

Remember, when chosing a contractor or builder you should feel comfortable with them, do not be pressured into accepting a building contractor that does not feel right 'for you'. Making the right choice not only helps you, it ultimately benefits your chosen contractor, as you will feel confident to recommend their work to your friends and colleagues

The Initial Stages of a Building Project - Extension - Loft Conversion - Barn Conversion etc.

• If your Building or Extension project needs detailed architectural plans creating, it is always advisable to have them drafted and in place before contacting a builder. Detailed plans help to provide a clear project specification, informing your builder of the work required so they can provide a reliable quotation.
  
  
• Ensure any planning applications have been submitted beforehand. Planning Applications can take up to 8 weeks to process. If you have chosen a builder/contractor ask for their advice on any issues. Your Local Council will have a Planning Guidance Booklet that you can request to help you with the whole process.
  
  For Cornwall The Relevant Planing Guides for Building work can be found at the following page Cornwall Planning Guidance Booklets - West Cornwall - North Cornwall - East Cornwall.
  
  For details about Planning and Planning Permission in West Devon visit the West Devon "Do I require Planning Permission" page.
  
  As we are based in East Cornwall, please look out for our advert in the New East Cornwall Planning Guide
  
  
• Check if Building Regulations Approval is needed. Many projects will require that the contractor is trained and qualified to a specific level - such as 17th Edition Electrical Regs.
  
  

Advice of Hiring a Builder / Tradesman / Building Contractor for your Home Improvement

• Check for qualifications and experience and ask for references.
  
  
• Honest and reputable craftsmen can always provide references and feedback that will justify your choice in selecting them. Always ask for references when embarking on a project - Good reputable tradesmen will be able to provide this for you and will in turn want your feedback to build their reputation.
  
  

Ask For a Quotation and arrange a Time Scale and Payment Schedule

• Prepare a clear outline specification of the work that you require, with details of any specific items that you need installing and locations that they are to be fitted.
  
  
• With a clear plan you can expect to be given a "fixed quotation" for the work to be undertaken. A quotation is always better than an "Estimate" which is a rough guide to the cost and subject to change.
  
  
• Quotations should always have the Company Name and a Contact Address and most importantly a Fixed Land Line Telephone Number.
  
  Tradesmen tend to work onsite a great deal of the time so mobile telephone numbers are only an aide for you to speak to them - there should always be a fixed land line that you can Contact during normal Office Hours.
  
  
• Any building work may need to be revised and with an original specification, you can request "Revised quotes" for any changes that are needed or for changes that you make during the construction process.
  
  
• Please beware of "Very Low Quotes and Estimates" as they often indicate that the Tradesman does not fully understand the level of work/material required and will have to revise the price at a later date.
  
  
• Before any work commences - Agree the Start and Completion Dates for the work and agree the payment schedule.
  
  

Discuss Payments before work commences

• Never pay the whole amount before the work is completed!
  
  
• Deposits may be required for the purchase of Large fixed items during the course of the project
  
  
• On larger project - staged payments may be expected to be paid as pre-agreed targets are completed
  
  
• Do not make any "Cash in Hand" payments. A written invoice is part of a contractual relationship and is useful in the case of any dispute.
  
  
• Check if VAT is to be added to the Invoice. VAT registered companies should show the final cost and the amount of VAT on any Invoice and this should be highlighted on any Quotations or Estimates given.

Ensure that the Builder / Tradesman has Public Liability Insurance

• Always ask to see a tradesman's Public Liability Insurance Certificate.
  
  
• Before any work commences please contact your own insurance providers as any building work may also affect your home and contents insurance - check the details with your insurance company before work begins.
  
  

Electrical Work and Gas Appliances

• Ensure that the tradesman is suitably qualified in these specific areas before the work commences. If they intend to sub contract this work, are the subcontractors qualified and will they by suitably insured.
  

What if a Dispute Arises?

Any Building Project, Home Extension, Loft Conversions or Home improvement project is often a collection of complex steps, procedures and technical requirements. In any complex process mistakes can be made by the contractor and by the home owner. If a dispute does arrive we recommend that you discuss the issue with your chosen contractor or builder - refering to the details and requirements that were laid down in the initial specification, as agreed in the building Quotation that you should have recieved and approved. Discussing the issue directly with the tradesman or with the staff in main/head office will allow you to reach an amicable solution - that is acceptable to both parties. We cannot stress the importance of agreeing a written specification of the work to be undertaken or carried out. If you have clearly listed expected outcomes of the work that is needed, then this should not be a problem. If you have missed an important item from the job spec. you will have to re- negotiate for any extra work required as this will not have been considered in the preparation of the Quoatation.

Please remember that an "open and fair discussion" is the way forward. Present a clear list of points and allow your chosen builder or building contractor to respond to your issues and rectify any faults.

The majority of builders, building contractors and tradesmen want their customers to be happy with the work that they have undertaken and are therefore keen to solve any problems or issues. This is where, we always recomend that you choose a contractor who can provide evidence of being reliable and providing quality building work. A builder or Tradesman with a good reputation will always want to rectify any problems and will advise on a way forward for any issues that were outside of the original contract. If you arranged for the supply of key components and materials, and they are not up to standard, this is an issue that would need to be taken up with the supplier - along with any additional costs that you will incur from the contractor if work has to be re done.

If a problem does remain, we recommend that you contact the local Trading Standards Department. All work, goods and materials should be of Satisfactory Quality and Fit for Ppurpose – as described in the original specification - once more being clear at the outset is important as it should be listed in the quotation recieved before work commenced.

For additional help Citizens Advice consumer service 08454 04 05 06

• Cornwall County Council - Trading Standards Department.
  Unit 6 Threemilestone Industrial Estate, Threemilestone, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9LD
  
  
• Plymouth City Council - Trading Standards.
  Floor 6 Civic Centre, Armada Way, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2AA

Our Staff are always happy to advise on Issues, where posible - subject to ongoing work commitments. All our staff are Apprentice trained City And Guilds ( or higher ) Qualified craftsmen who have a lot of pride in the level of service that they provide.

So, if your property is in Cornwall, Plymouth or West Devon and you are looking for a professional service for your Home Improvement, Loft Conversion, Extension, Barn Conversion or replacement kitchen etc. with unrivalled levels of quality and service, carried out by fully qualified experienced craftsmen, please call now for a free consultation and quotation.
Telephonethe Main Office ( 01579 557343) today. We operate across East Cornwall and the Plymouth and Tavistock areas of West Devon.

Our Aim is to provide a Friendly & Reliable Service
That you would be Happy to Recommend to your Friends & Family

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Quality Craftsmanship and Competitive Prices for Kitchen Fitting, Kitchen Design & Kitchen Installation Service, Home Maintenance & Home Repairs, Home Improvements & Home Renovations, Home Extensions, Barn Conversion & New Builds, Loft Conversions, Carpentry & Property Maintenance,Electrical Work in the following areas Callington, Liskeard, Looe, Bodmin, Torpoint, Saltash, Plymouth, Launceston, St Austell, Polperro, Seaton, East Cornwall, West Devon

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