Where to find a reputable builder?

[waynefeltham]

Hi all

I'm in the closing stages of FINALLY getting planning permission to construct a vehicle access and so start work on my driveway.

I've got a builder with a quote and all seems well but I'm now starting to wonder how I can really be sure of the work?

Is there any certifications or central bodies that the company should/could be registered with that I should look out for?

Cheers


Wayne

[danensis]

There's a simple rule; "if he's got time to do it he's probably no good". All the good builders are booked up weeks ahead.

You can ask for references, but make sure its not his granny/girlfriend/probation officer. Make sure its work he did a year or so ago, and ask about his attitude as well as his workmanship.

[Tony McC]

Builders, as in the average, knock-up-an-extension, fit-a-new-window, build-a-garage variety, are usually NOT the best people to ask for a price when it comes to paving and surfacing. A jobbing builder would usually either tackle it themselves as a non-specialist and hope for the best, or would bring in a specialist contractor and put on a few quid for themselves.

You really are much, much better off asking a specialist paving contractor who does this work day in and day out and will be able to offer better advice, a better standard of construction, and probably a better price.

Read the Getting a quote page for more advice.

[waynefeltham]

Hi all

I should have mentioned that the company are "haulage and surfacing" specialists. This is what they do; not just any building work requested.

I was just trying to find out if I should look for "official" stamps on their paper work or anything like that - such as Corgi for gas fitters or IIEc(?) for electricians etc.

I will read the Getting a quote link aswell though.

Cheers


Wayne

[Tony McC]

There's no nationally recognised, independent body for paving contractors, although there are a number of 'vetted lists' - see the Approved Lists page which is linked to the previously mentioned "Getting a Quote" page.

For bitmac, which is what I suspect you're considering, there are a number of national bodies but the vast majority of asmall-medium local surfacing contractors do not belong because the organisations are basically "Big Dinners" meetings for the large/national contractors and manufacturers.

Look for a written quote that specifies exactlt what work will be done, using what materials at what thicknesses, and check for references.

[danensis]

I should have mentioned that the company are "haulage and surfacing" specialists.

That would make me very suspicious and would make me want to look for a permanent address (not a lay-by).