Cowboy Builders – How to Avoid

• Always try to find a builder who has been recommended – either by family, friends or companies who spend time vetting tradespeople and have feedback on their skills and workmanship.

• Do you have all their information such as telephone numbers – not just a mobile and an address, if problems do arise you want to be able to contact them quickly.

•  Do you have a prepared quote which details the cost of the job – does it include materials and VAT where necessary. Are “extras” calculated verbally as inevitable when most jobs start other issues can arise, do you have an agreement in place.

• Deposit – can be a tricky one but good tradespeople should not be asking for their fee upfront. Normal practice especially for big cost projects is 25% deposit and scheduled payments with a final payment on completion and your satisfaction.

• Don’t just stick to one quote – always make sure you get at least 2/3 to compare, don’t be afraid to ask builders questions, they are normally happy to provide you with lots of advice and suggestions for your project.

• If you are unsure of anything please do communicate with your builder – most breakdowns between customers and tradespeople id lack of communication, they are not mind readers!

Please do contact us if you are looking for a good reliable builder in Bristol or Bath