Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Find the Right Builder

Where To Look

The first piece of advice anyone will give you is to go for personal recommendation, but there’s more to do than simply getting a name from a neighbour. Talk to people locally who’ve had building work done recently – especially on a house of a similar age, and on a project of a similar size, as this will help you track down someone with the right expertise and an appropriate size of firm. If you are using an architect for your project, they may also have recommendations.

#1 Interview several builders. Ask an architect for recommendations. If a real estate agent assisted you when you purchased your lot, ask the agent for several recommendations. Also consult friends and neighbors.Once you’ve assembled some likely candidates from reliable sources, ask at least three builders for a written quote. The more detailed you can be at this stage about what you want done, the more accurate the quote will be. This is obviously easier if you already have architect’s plans or drawings you submitted if you had to obtain planning permission. Be clear about what needs to be included as well as the job itself: materials, taking away rubbish and so on.

#2 Review your completed plans with each builder, or ask the builders about designing plans for you.You should also ask for at least three references from each builder. You need to take the time to follow these up, and if possible, pay a visit to check the quality of the job. Ask plenty of questions about the builder’s work and how the project went, as you may find out details that’ll be much more useful than a general, ‘Yes, it all went fine.’

#3 Make sure that all the builders see the building site and are quoting to build the house on that site, including excavation and any other site-specific costs. You should also make sure that each builder you ask to quote has appropriate liability insurance – ask to see the certificate.

#4 Get price quotes from the builders and compare them, making sure that they each bid on the same items.It’s also important to ask about payment terms. If they ask for a deposit, be wary. However, it is normal for larger projects if they ask to be paid in installments as each stage is completed.Deposits are usually only payable where specific or custom-made materials are required or where the project will take a long time to complete. Otherwise, avoid paying deposits, and agree any payment schedule in writing.

#5 Ask for references--particularly previous customers--from each party. Check the references. Be sure to speak with them when the builder is not present. Look at some of the houses the builder has constructed.If possible, start by getting a referral from family or friends who have recently had work done.

#6 Retain an attorney with experience in construction cases to draft or review the contract. Be sure that the payment schedule for the builder is clear and understandable.Ensure the builder belongs to a respected trade organisation as it will have membership standards and requirements. Don't forget to make a call to make sure membership is current.

#7 Make sure that the contract specifies the start and completion dates. Insist on some type of late fee or penalty if the completion is delayed past a certain grace period (notwithstanding circumstances beyond the builder's control, such as inclement weather).Contact your local builders association and ask for a list of registered members. The National Federation of Builders has 14 offices around the country which can provide you with a list of registered builders in your area.

#8 Execute the approved contract.Ask two or three builders for estimates in writing. Ask them to confirm whether there is any planning permission required for the work.Ask each builder for two or three references from previous customers. Contact these people and find out how happy they were with the work carried and the builder's conduct. If possible go and view some of the work.

#9Make any required deposit payment, and be sure to write your checks as per the schedule (not earlier and not later).You should make an agreement or contract in writing with your builder. It should outline the work to be done, date of completion, security and safety, catering and lavatory arrangements, disposal of waste materials, hours of working and so on.Ask to see the builder's public liability insurance certificate. Also, the building work may affect your home and contents insurance - contact your own insurance company.

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