How to find a contractor?

[juggler]

Looking for someone to do my drive in Bedford, I have had two quotes, the first I did not trust the bloke, just a feeling. The second has quoted, but only verbally, he also took a long time to come back. £3200 for 50 m/2 + a bit of wall building and one edge 4m with kerbs, I will be providing the drainage, he will install it.

Does anyone know of any reputable conrtactors in this area who I could try?

[MRA]

Looking for someone to do my drive in Bedford, I have had two quotes, the first I did not trust the bloke, just a feeling. The second has quoted, but only verbally, he also took a long time to come back. £3200 for 50 m/2 + a bit of wall building and one edge 4m with kerbs, I will be providing the drainage, he will install it.

Does anyone know of any reputable conrtactors in this area who I could try?

Try the Marshalls Register contractor search -

Marshalls Register Contractor Search

There are around 800 approved contractors in the UK at the moment, so you should find someone; but quality comes at a price.

[James.Q]

try lutons
one and only luton lager lout on this forum

[J.D]

Without seeing your job difficult to quote but have to say i think the price you have been quoted sounds in the right ball park. however only a good price if the job is done well. What about refs from previous jobs he done localy you could check out ? Luton nearer to you than me so as sugested try LLL. If you have no joy i am about an hour and a half from you (mate of mine works at Charles Wells brewery ) and would be happy to quote , but wouldnt be able to do the job for at least 8 to 10 weeks .

[James.Q]

verbal quotes arnt worth the paper there written on. always check previous work

[Rich H]

Ditto. Also, round numbers always make me wary!

1) get a written quotation that covers everything discussed.
2) get and check references.

Good reputable contractors will be happy to provide both of these.

[MRA]

Ditto. Also, round numbers always make me wary!

1) get a written quotation that covers everything discussed.
2) get and check references.

Good reputable contractors will be happy to provide both of these.

Quite right.

Not just references, but also ask to see some previous work in person if possible too. £3 grand odd to a contractor doesn't seem much because we know what goes into doing a job correctly, but it's alot to a client. If he baulks at you asking to see some of his work, ask yourself why?

One other point, expect a long lead time for a decent contractor - anyone that can 'fit it in next week' should be given the heave-ho pronto!

[J.D]

Agreed. A written quote benifits the customer and contractor. The customer knows what he is getting and for how much and if the contractor does the job right there can be no arguments on payment .

[lutonlagerlout]

we are booked solid till October,i have mentioned them before and dreamscape do a fair job in this area,i have seen loads of them and they all look on the money.
the price sounds about right,but ask to see his last 4 jobs,if he cannot show you,and i mean physically not photos then worry
cheers LLL
p.s. a cheque is in the post james
:;):

[juggler]

Thanks for the replies guys, this is exactly why I am asking, not being a bulider I don't know but in my line of work, you ask for a quote, (can't raise a purchase order withour one) agree to it, then sign up for the work.

At the end of the day I have explained what I want ie: kerb edge, wall at front re-done, remove current material (course gravel, thin concrete which is failing and soil), 100mm minimum base, block paved, black edge all around. And I want a proper quote for it.

And if it all goes titis up I want to b able to show the guy the quote outlining the details.

I do appreciate the comments on the price, sounded a little expensive at first, glad you think it is in the right ball park. Will struggle on to get some more, the first two were local guys. Will try some specialist block paving guys from the web before making a decision.

[warnergrounds.co.uk]

Just make sure you satisfy yourself that any major company uses their own staff otherwise you could end up paying more for the same guy you've already had round to quote directly!

Try the Interlay website for members in your area, that should sort the wheat from the chaff for you a bit and look for a contractor in your area

Interlay Members List

[lutonlagerlout]

dreamscape are on interlay,
like i say i have no connection to them,but i know of them and their work
i see their drives all the time round luton and think they are a mainly drive/patio firm
because i do extensions my jobs tend to last a lot longer ,i normally only do the hardscaping for clients we build for, as the building works are time consuming on their own
if you are doing your drive its always worth getting your water main replaced if your house is older than 15 years ,as its a pain taking up paving later
cheers LLL

[matt h]

idea to change gas pipework at same time if old iron too!:D