Starting to Look for a Builder – Check out these tips

The best way to compare builder quotes is to:

1. Get quotes from at least three different builders. This will give you a good range of prices to compare.
2. Make sure that all of the quotes are for the same work. This means that the quotes should include all of the same materials, labor, and other costs.
3. Ask the builders for a detailed breakdown of their quotes. This will help you to understand where the money is going and to identify any potential hidden costs.
4. Compare the builders’ experience and qualifications. Make sure that the builders you are considering are qualified to build the type of extension that you are planning.
5. Ask the builders for references from previous clients. This will give you a good idea of the quality of their work and their customer service.

Once you have compared the quotes, you can choose the builder that you feel most comfortable with and who offers the best value for money.

Here are some additional tips for comparing builder quotes:

• Look for quotes that are in writing. This will give you a clear record of what the builder has agreed to do and how much they will charge.
• Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true. If a quote is significantly lower than the other quotes you have received, it is likely that there are hidden costs involved.
• Ask the builders about their warranty policies. This is important to ensure that you are protected in case there are any problems with the work.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the builders. If you are happy with the builder but their quote is slightly higher than the others, you may be able to negotiate a better price.

It is also important to remember that the cheapest quote is not always the best quote. When comparing builder quotes, it is important to consider the builder’s experience, qualifications, and customer service. You should also make sure that the builder is offering a good warranty on their work.

Is a builders quote legally binding?

A builder’s quote is not legally binding in the UK unless it is signed by both parties and constitutes a formal contract. However, a builder is still expected to act in good faith and to honor their quote, even if it is not legally binding.

If you have received a quote from a builder and you are happy with it, you should ask them to put it in writing and to sign it. This will help to protect you in case there are any disputes later on.

If you have not signed a formal contract with the builder, you will still have some legal rights. For example, you will have the right to expect the builder to complete the work to a reasonable standard and to use suitable materials. You will also have the right to expect the builder to finish the work on time and within budget.

If you are not happy with the builder’s work, you may be able to take them to court. However, it is important to note that this can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

It is always best to get a written quote from a builder and to sign a formal contract before starting any work. This will help to protect both you and the builder.

Here are some tips for avoiding disputes with builders:

• Get a written quote from the builder and have them sign it.
• Make sure that the quote includes all of the work that you want to be done, as well as the cost of materials and labor.
• Sign a formal contract with the builder before starting any work. This contract should include all of the details of the job, such as the start and finish dates, the payment terms, and the warranty policy.
• Be clear about your expectations and communicate them to the builder in writing.
• Make sure that you have a good understanding of the building process and what is involved in the job that you are having done.
• Be available to answer the builder’s questions and to make decisions about the job.
• If you have any concerns about the builder’s work, raise them with them immediately.

If you do have a dispute with a builder, you should try to resolve it amicably first. If you are unable to resolve the dispute amicably, you may need to take legal action.

How do I get quotes from tradesmen?

There are a few different ways to get quotes from tradesmen:

• Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. This is a great way to find tradesmen who have been recommended by people you trust.
• Look for tradesmen online. There are a number of websites that allow you to search for tradesmen in your area. Some of these websites also allow you to read reviews from previous customers.
• Contact your local trade association. Many trade associations have a list of members who are vetted and insured.
• Post a job on a tradesmen’s website. This is a good way to get quotes from multiple tradesmen at once.

Once you have a few tradesmen in mind, you should contact them to get quotes. When getting quotes, it is important to provide the tradesmen with as much information as possible about the job that you need to be done. This includes the following:

• A detailed description of the work that you need to be done
• The start and finish dates that you would like the work to be completed by
• Your budget
• Any specific requirements that you have

It is also important to get quotes from multiple tradesmen before making a decision. This will help you to compare prices and services.

Here are some additional tips for getting quotes from tradesmen:

• Be clear about your expectations and communicate them to the tradesmen in writing.
• Make sure that you have a good understanding of the work that needs to be done and the materials that will be required.
• Be available to answer the tradesmen’s questions and to make decisions about the job.
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the tradesmen. If you are happy with the tradesman but their quote is slightly higher than the others, you may be able to negotiate a better price.

Once you have received quotes from multiple tradesmen, you can compare the quotes and choose the tradesman that you feel most comfortable with and who offers the best value for money.

Which is better my builder or Checkatrade?

Both myBuilder and Checkatrade are online directories that allow you to find and compare tradesmen in your area. Both websites have their own pros and cons, so it is important to choose the website that is right for you.

myBuilder

• Pros:
  • myBuilder allows you to post a job and receive quotes from multiple tradesmen.
  • myBuilder has a large database of tradesmen, so you are likely to find a tradesman who is qualified to do the job that you need to be done.
  • myBuilder has a review system that allows you to read reviews from previous customers before hiring a tradesman.
• Cons:
  • myBuilder is a free website for homeowners, but tradesmen have to pay a subscription fee to be listed on the website. This means that some tradesmen may charge higher prices in order to cover the cost of their subscription fee.
  • myBuilder does not guarantee the work of the tradesmen on its website. This means that it is important to do your own research before hiring a tradesman.

Checkatrade

• Pros:
  • Checkatrade vets all of the tradesmen on its website before they are allowed to join. This means that you can be confident that the tradesmen on Checkatrade are qualified and insured.
  • Checkatrade has a guarantee scheme that protects homeowners against shoddy workmanship. This means that if you are not happy with the work of a Checkatrade tradesman, you can claim up to £1,000 back.
• Cons:
  • Checkatrade is a paid service for homeowners. This means that you have to pay a subscription fee to use the website.
  • Checkatrade has a smaller database of tradesmen than myBuilder. This means that you may not be able to find a tradesman who is qualified to do the job that you need to be done.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which website is right for you is to compare the two websites and see which one offers the features and benefits that are most important to you.