Contractor advice

[MikeP]

Hi Tony,
Congratulations on an ever improving site !
You answered a query a few months back for me on a soakaway problem.
I have spoken to some of the "big" drain firms in Yellow Pages but tend to get the "tut, tut - need to dig up your ground - may cost thousands" approach.
What I need is someone to come and look at the house/site/area and discuss options for the problem before jumping to conclusions over the phone.
Is there an association of appropriate experienced contractors I can call for advice or a list of approved contractors?
Thanks,
Mike P

[danensis]

I was watching one of those "we bought a load of dingos kidenys in spain" type programmes the other night (the one that is on before "Grand Designs") and they flew out "a cess pit expert from England". It might be worth contacting the programme makers and find ou twho he was.

[Tony McC]

There's no formal association of smaller contractors. There are groupings or associations of the large main contractors, but these are not the sort of companies that get involved in what they class as 'Home Improvements'.

One of the simplest methods to locate a decent groundworker is to have a chat with your nearest BM branch. They always know who's doing what, who's a good'un and who's a clown. If you call in and ask for a word with the manager, s/he should be able to suggest a local groundworker, or even someone working for a larger civils company that would be willing to give the site the once-over in exchange for a few beer vouchers.

[ABILITY]

Why not indicate your location in the country on here, then someone maybe able to suggest a suitable firm.
We have an excellent drainage guy / septic tank expert, we bring in if condtions are not the norm.

[MikeP]

Thanks Guys,
I am in SE England (Kent/London). Tony, what does BM stand for ?
Thanks
Mike

[Tony McC]

BM = Builders' Merchant
GC = Garden Centre