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Find a Tradesman and Compare Costs for UK Builders & Local Tradesmen Nationwide

Local Tradesmen + Compare Costs + Find a Tradesman

Building-Contractors-Supermarket
The No: 1 UK Builders Site

“Just one search to Find a Tradesman & Compare Costs for UK Builders & Local Tradesmen Nationwide...”

Find a Tradesman & Compare Costs for Local Tradesmen

Since our launch in early 2010 Building Contractors Supermarket have rapidly become the No: 1 UK Builders site where you can Find a Tradesman and compare costs for UK Builders and Local Tradesmen.

Working With Builders

Builders have had rotten press recently. With TV shows and celebrities giving them a bad name, the truth is, for every cowboy, there are plenty of professional builders who offer great service. And it's up to you as 'project manager' - for in most cases, that's what you are - to ensure that you get the results you want.

TIP: Getting several UK Builders costs is extremely helpful as not only will you get the costs but you will also get loads of advice from UK Builders. To compare UK Builders costs Click Here

Here's some do's and don'ts to guide you:

DO...

Check them out.

Before you begin, do your research and talk to previous customers. A good builder will provide you with credentials and references, so try to visit previous jobs similar to your own. If the builder is a member of a trade association, what does this mean? If they claim to be a member of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) for example, check to ensure that anyone claiming to be a member actually is. An impressive-looking logo won't repair a leaking new roof! Find out more about their credentials before going ahead.

Get it in writing

Clarity is the key and a contract drawn up before work begins is essential. Agree on the timetable, too. Any changes agreed throughout the job should be put in writing. You can download a FREE Building Contract Here.

Know your regulations

Be aware of any legal requirements you must fulfill when having major improvements done. Remember, this is not up to the builder and you should seek the advice of a qualified surveyor or architect. Nigel Pound, who runs FDP Builders in London and is a member of the FMB, advises: "Have any plans drawn up properly before you get us involved, preferably by a professional and make sure you have planning permission, if it's needed." Planning permission is sometimes a lengthy and complicated process, but a surveyor or your local Planning Office will point you in the right direction.

Communicate

Keep talking! If you're not sure what is being done, ask. Make sure you fully understand every step and don't let jargon put you off. A professional builder should explain things clearly to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises!

Seventy-five year old homeowner Joyce Stock from Surrey says: "I've had a lot done to my house and some builders seem to think that, just because I'm elderly, I'll accept anything. On one occasion, I needed some work doing to my garage, which was damp along one wall. One builder gave me a lengthy explanation as to why I needed a completely new garage, costing £7,000. The man I went for simply repaired a section of the wall and damproofed it, and it's been fine ever since. The cost? Just £500."

Be realistic

Builders aren't mind-readers, so if you have a particular idea of a finished project, show them visuals - magazine cuttings, books, brochures - anything that will ensure you and they are thinking along the same lines.

Be honest

If your financial situation changes mid-works, talk to your builder, he can suggest ways of trimming the expense without cutting on quality.

DON'T...

Pay cash up-front

Be wary of the cash cowboys. A reputable builder, such as FMB contractors, work on a contractual basis, and you should avoid anyone who offers you a 'cheap' deal for cash-in-hand. Don't try and dodge paying VAT, that'll probably put you in the hands of the rogues.

Go above their heads

Talk to the 'main man' only. Telling sub-contractors to change things mid-construction will not only cause problems within the team but confuse everyone as to what it is you really want.

Dither!

Decide on what you want from the outset and try to stick to it. Changing plans mid-flow is sometimes necessary, but if you keep changing your mind about what you want, you'll confuse everyone, it'll lead to extra unbudgeted costs and probably cause a delay in getting the job finished.

Stay silent.

If you're unhappy about any area of work, talk to your builder about it. Most things can be amended before they are finished, so don't wait until it's done, then sulk!

Ignore your budget

Be realistic about what you can afford and tell your builder at the start. He can then help you fulfil your home-improvement needs and fit in with your financial constraints too. Says homeowner Jane Morris from London: "My house needed a lot of refurbishment when I moved in - the previous owners hadn't done anything for 20 years - but the builder and I never had a written contract - he was a distant member of the family, so it was a casual arrangement. He's a great builder, but the trouble was, I had no idea of the ultimate cost, so the £9,000 bill came as a shock. I had to work out an instalment system with him, which was embarrassing!"

TIP: Getting several UK Builders costs is extremely helpful as not only will you get the costs but you will also get loads of advice from UK Builders. To compare UK Builders costs Click Here

Find a Tradesman - How It Works

If you haven’t posted an inquiry before for Local Tradesmen or UK Builders services and would like a few more details on how the system works you should take a quick read on our FAQ’s section which explains the procedures to Find a Tradesman and to compare costs for UK Builders.

Customer Service

If you still need help to compare costs and would like to speak to a human rather than completing an inquiry form then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Just give our Customer Support Desk a call or send us an e-mail and we will be happy to phone you back.

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E-mail: support@building-contractors-supermarket.co.uk