Extensions
We specialise in the design of home extensions and conversions and help you get through the planning and building control process.
We crate designs to work better for the modern living and we will provide design options for your consideration and give advice on the best way to get through the planning system. When you are happy with the design we will submit to the Local authority planning team for the relevant permission. We will keep you informed of the progress, planning systems can sometimes be difficult, so let us do it for you. Upon approval of planning we will then work up the drawings so they will meet or better current building regulations and arrange submission of drawings that your builder can build from. With the new building regulations a full set of drawings will help the building control approval and aid the builder in construction stage.
Remember a well-planned home improvement will add sale potential of your property whether you sell immediately or a few years down the line. An increase in insulation and fabric construction will also save money on heating bills.
Stick to the basics
1) Ensure you have a good set of detailed plans and specification. A work schedule is always worth the investment.
2) Choose a minimum of three contractors to price the work and check their competence i.e. federation of master builders, NHBC, gas safe or NICEIC. Ensure you have his name, address, telephone no and mobile no. Public liability no. and Vat registration no.
3) Ask for details of past customers and go see the work. Ask them about the work that was done on their house, ask to see were he is currently working and talk frankly to the other customers without the builder being there.
4) Don’t always go for the lowest quote you have to feel right about the person you are letting into your house it is important that you have confidence when employing a builder.
5) Ask about subcontractors for plumbing work electrical work. Be clear about who is responsible for them – you or him? (preferably him).
6) Never employ anyone coming to your door for work without checking him out first and be wary of someone offering to do the job “cash in hand”.
7) Never give tradesmen cash up front. All tradesmen can get materials on a 30 day builder merchant account.
8) Ask him lots of questions no matter how silly or awkward you think they might be i.e. What hours do you work? What are extras and how do we deal with them? What about a retention sum and time scale?
9) Sign a formal contract with him agreeing commencement and completion dates, price and payment methods and retention of monies for defects that may arise from the work done and agree a set period of time. The builder will have to come back to put right any defects before this retention money is released.
10) If at any stage you are unhappy with his work tell him immediately to give him chance to put it right at minimum cost.
Again a good professional service will provide a site supervision service and help with the appointment, contract and payment methods. Check out www.fmb.org.uk