A Guide For Buyers

Over the years, Solihull Maintenance has gained a reputation for quality and reliability. This guide represents a checklist of considerations that home-owners should make when appointing a contractor to undertake work on their property.

References

Ask your builder for references from previous customers. Contact these people and find out how happy they were with the work carried out and the builder’s conduct. If possible, go and view some of the work.

Quotes

Ask two or three builders for quotations in writing and make sure that they are like-for-like. It’s not unusual for some quotes to exclude certain elements of the job to keep the price down so be sure to check exactly what’s included in the price. Beware – the cheapest isn’t always the best!

Beware of the VAT-free ‘deal’!

Treat with suspicion any builders offering VAT free ‘deals’ – either the builder is very small or is operating illegally. If there’s no VAT, there’s no legally binding contract and your money is at risk if anything goes wrong.

Agree the Work and put it in Writing

You should make an agreement or contract in writing with your builder. It should outline the work to be done, cost, date of completion, hours of working etc.

Deposits and Payment

Deposits are usually only payable where specific or custom-made materials are required. Agree a payment schedule that is linked to the progress of your work and ensure that final payment is not due until you’re happy that all ‘snags’ have been corrected.

Insurance

Ask to see the builder’s Public Liability Insurance Certificate. Be very wary of any reluctance to provide this. Up to date public liability insurance is very important. This will cover the cost of repairing any damage to your property.

Memberships and Accreditations

Find out if the builder is a member of a reputable trade association. This means they will have been strictly vetted. Look for professional standards such as Trustmark and Chas. You can seek guidance on accreditation from your local council.