With money being tight many people – who might have been selling their homes – are now opting to revamp their existing home instead. This comes in the shape of a loft conversion or an extension to the back or side adding that all important extra space.
In recent years the building industry has come in for some serious criticism as the number of ‘Cowboy builders’ increased. These companies would send someone out to look at the property and give you a price; all very nice and professional.
So, unconcerned, you would agree to let them start. The day they arrive the head builder asks you for money up front, you do this as the rest of the team start knocking down walls and ripping your home to pieces.
Pretty soon you are being asked for more and more money.
Too afraid to ask where your money is going – you don’t see much work being carried out. Before too long you realise that all your money has all but diminished and the work is nowhere near finished. You attempt to speak to your builder but he is not answering his phone and soon all the workmen have left your house.
This is an actual situation for thousands of people all over the country.
How can you prevent yourself becoming a ‘cowboy statistic‘? There are a number of precautions that can be done to help protect yourself and your family home:
- Never only see one builder get a few quotes from various companies.
- Ask to see samples of their work; don’t just take their word for it that “we can do that no problem”. Go and see examples, talk to people that have had dealings with the company.
- After choosing the company to do the work, never part with any money all good builders should have accounts with builders merchants.
- Always get a contract drawn up this will let you know where you stand.
- Always get contact details, not just a mobile number but home or business land line and an address as these will come in handy if anything goes wrong.
- Arrange a payment system; the builder gets money at an arranged target set by you and the builder.
Remember, there are many good builders in your area that far outnumber the few bad ones. Don’t become another ‘cowboy builders’ statistic – do your homework and follow our simple step-by-step guide above and you’ll be on the right path to not being ripped off.
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