cowboy builders

With the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at NEC Birmingham from 23rd-26th March, it is definitely the season for planning your next project. But beware the potential pitfalls, says DIY Doctor’s Mike Edwards, who is a guest speaker this year

Builders know better than anyone how rogue traders – otherwise known as cowboys – operate,” said Mike Edwards of DIY Doctor. “We know the tricks they pull to get you to part with more money. We know how devastating it can be to be fooled by these tricksters, because we have often dealt with customers who have been reduced to tears by them.

“So, first of all, put some effort into finding a good builder or tradesman.Talk to every friend and colleague you have, ask if they’ve had any work done and how they got on with their builder. Would they recommend them? If you decide to use a commercial directory or lead generation company, remember that while some of these are good, others use the public as their checking method by asking them to rate tradespeople they have used. These reviews aren’t always objective. The builder you are going to use must be right for you. You should interview them yourself – and these are the questions to ask.

“How are you expecting to be paid?” Agree a payment schedule before you accept a quote, and discuss variations as you go. Not paying anything until the end could result in your contractor rushing the job in order to get paid.

“Can I see your insurance?” By being properly insured against

OUTTA SPACE?

As we tackle those home and garden projects, many of us need to add extra outside space. One local company has a range of solutions.

Based in Telford, Sheds Now offers a comprehensive range of gardening products and sheds for clients across Shropshire, and extending into north and mid Wales and Cheshire. Clients come to the garden shed experts for a variety of reasons – some looking for storage options, others to install a home office – but whatever their goal, the specialists have the stock and expertise to help them achieve it.

Installation

Each shed is handcrafted in England and there’s a fantastic selection to choose from, including apex sheds, potting sheds and combination accidents, builders are protecting their livelihood. It indicates they’re in the job for the long term and not just grabbing a few pounds here and there before moving on.

“How long have you been trading?” Avoid anyone who’s not been trading for at least a year. If you have a big project, you want someone who knows how business works.

“Are you VAT registered?” For a job over £5,000 never use a contractor who is not VAT registered. Since the VAT ‘threshold’ is £85,000, it means they’ve only done small jobs, or less than three big jobs this year. They are either not up to your job or not busy – not a good sign.

“Can I see your references?” Ask for contact details for the last three or four jobs that are fairly local to you, then choose two to go and see. If the builder cannot, or will not do this, do not use him.

“Have you done much of this type of work?” If the answer’s yes, say: “Great, then you’ll know what to expect. Perhaps you could scour the plans and try to foresee all potential difficulties.” The message is clear: there should be no ‘unforeseen difficulties’ incurring extra charges.

Mike Edwards will be talking about how to work with tradespeople and avoid cowboy builders at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, 23rd-26th March, NEC Birmingham. www.diydoctor.org.uk sheds, as well as animal housing options, such as dog kennels, chicken and duck houses and rabbit hutches. All available products are disability friendly and wheelchair accessible.

What is particularly impressive are the bespoke options on offer at Sheds Now, who have designers on hand to help construct your dream shed. Clients are invited to provide their specific requirements and budget, and the friendly team works hand in hand to ensure the final product ticks every box. All sheds come with minimum 6ft eaves on apex sheds and the lower side of pents as standard. Sheds Now also offers amazing playhouses at very affordable prices. www.shedsnow.co.uk