COWBOY
BUILDERS
Think of extending your house, refurbishing
your kitchen or building a conservatory?
If so, you ought to consider
what steps you should take to get the best job done.
HOW TO GET THE BEST JOB
DONE
Never employ anyone offering
a cheap deal for cash. They are almost certain to be a cowboy builder
and will do a shoddy job. Remember that a little time taken by you
at the beginning can save you a good deal of grief later on.
So follow these simple steps to choose a builder of good reputation:-
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Try to get
personal recommendations from friends and neighbours |
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Get a quotation
from more than one builder - it is quite usual to seek out three |
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Decide exactly
what you want before asking for a quote. This will avoid misunderstandings
later on |
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Ask the builder
for references from other people who have had work done. Check
these out! |
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Don’t
be hurried into a decision. If the builder isn’t prepared
to take time to discuss your work and give you his advice, then
think about going elsewhere. A reputable builder will always
want to do the best for you, right from the start. |
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Use the JCT
Building Contract for a home owner/occupier to confirm your
agreement with a builder. A reputable will want to use it. |
THE BUILDING CONTRACT
The Joints Contracts Tribunal
(JCT) is an independent body and has produced a contract to make
life easier for you and your builder. It does two things:
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It confirms
the precise arrangements for the work to be done. For example
the price, payment, working hours, insurance and guarantees
and how to resolve disputes if they arise |
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it sets out
simply and clearly what is expected from you and your builder
while the work is being done. For example, how payments should
be made, what to do if you want to make changes to the work
and how to deal with a builder wanting to extend the time taken
for completing the work. |
The contract is a robust legal
document. However, it has achieved as ‘crystal mark’ from
the Plain English Campaign by avoiding technical and legal jargon.
What to do now?
You can ask your builder for
a copy of the contract, or you can call: 0121 722 8200
You can contact Belfast
Building Control for a leaflet “Helping to choose a builder”.
Belfast Building Control can also
supply you with a blank contract which you can use to draw up with
your builder for a cost of £10.
Building Control Service,
Room 35 City Hall,
BELFAST BT1 5GS,
Tel. 028 9027 0432
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