Working with Property Tradespeople in North Nottinghamshire

When you buy a property that needs some work doing, or if you are thinking of building an extension, you usually hope to be able to recoup the cost of renovation by adding significantly to the future value and eventual selling price.

That’s the theory anyway! And it usually works out fine. But getting the builders in can be stressful, and we have all heard stories of extortionate costs, unforeseen extras, no-shows, and poor, even dangerous, workmanship.

Having said that I think most of the true property tradespeople in our area of North Nottinghamshire are good honest and reliable people.

However, when assessing property related tradespeople, there are several things you can do to avoid disappointment or financial loss. For example:

·        Ask a friend in an allied profession such as a surveyor or architect to recommend names of proven tradespeople.

·         Don’t rely on your own guesstimates! Decide what you want to do, get several quotes (not estimates) and work your budget around these.

·         Don’t give details of your budget a builder.

·         Factor in incidentals such as alterations to plumbing, wiring or tiling that may be  affected by your work. Get quotes from specialists in each area.

·         Tradespeople work best with people they know, so ask your chosen builder to recommend other specialists.

·         Don’t be afraid to ask to see previous work and speak to those who have been customers.

·         Don’t overlook the cost of removing rubble, old carpets, etc. Skips always fill up very fast. (One of the true mysteries of the universe)  and can add to costs over time.

·         Request an invoice in stages, and avoid “cash in hand”.

·         Agree a finish date with penalties for failing to meet deadlines.

·         Decide how realistic it will be to live in the property during renovation. Could this slow the builder down?

·         Qualifications and memberships give a good indication of professionalism. e.g. Guild of Master Craftsmen builders, registered plumbers, NECEIC approved electricians.

With the building trades you really do get what you pay for, so avoid the temptation to cut corners!

I recently set up ‘The GOOD Work Network’ as a group on Facebook. The reason was to help all of us find good and reliable property related trades people through recommendations.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheGoodWorkNetwork/ 

Please have a look and join this group if you want to obtain recommendations from others or ask for input from other like minded people. The group has a policy of customers only, so trades people cannot join this group.

Thanks for reading

geraldbowers@thegoodea.co.uk

www.thegoodestateagent.co.uk

☎01777 237310 ☎ Messages to ☎07981 744003 ☎