Marshalls register

[domestique]

Dear Experts,

I am looking to get a patio & path of Saxon paving and thought that the Marshalls Register of contractors in my area (Surrey) might filter out the worst cowboys.

I am a very nervous customer now as I have had terrible experiences despite always trying to get detailed quotes and not chasing the lowest price.

I have 4 quotes but none of them are ideal. All lack detail and what I regard as crucial bits of information.

So I have the following questions -

1 - Does the Marshalls Register offer anything better than picking numbers out of the phonebook?

2 - If not, how do I go about getting somebody vaguely decent? I have read the comments on this forum on checkatrade. Tried looking through Buywithconfidence but the only one that did not have howlers in their gallery clearly does mansions and is out of my price range.

3 - Is there a model quote or estimate that I could send them that they could use as a template? Do I really have to spend hours effectively writing out the quote for the so called professionals?

I nearly went for the most expensive quote. He lost me when he was offended that I would not be happy for the work to take place in my absence (I want to see what is being done with my money) and started talking of trusting the professionals and not harassing his workers with questions. At over £7k for 48m2 of paving I thought I got a say on how the finished product would look - silly me.

My best option now seems to be working with the provider of the cheaper quote by getting him to up his spec (and price) to match what I want. I am nervous of doing this but this bloke at least treats me as a 'customer' rather than expecting me to accept what he says without question.

Any better offers or advice on how to find one gratefully received. My garden is flat but a bit of an odd shape. I am not after anything flash or fancy. Simply looking for a good quality job that will last.

Stressed Out Domestique

[lutonlagerlout]

£7k for 48m2 is a nice price but not a rip off price especially in your part of the country
are you a cycling fan?
whatever you do ,do not get involved in paying men day rates
that nice contractor with the cheapest quote
it doesnt mean he is not a cowboy

and because the expensive quote is an arrogant sod doesnt mean he cant pull off top notch work

like any decent builder on here I dont mind customers watching what we do and asking the odd questions === its their money and their prerogative

but i really dont want customers interfering non stop with the flow of work ,and also with slight judgement calls
I pick up a flag/slab and instantly assess it as either layable/ok for cuts / or a reject
I have had the odd customer telling me whats layable???

make sure you can physically speak to recent clients who the contractor has worked for
I contacted all 10 of my clients from last year and they all agreed to be contacted by a prospective large client

cheers LLL

[local patios and driveway]

the bodgers and shortcutters are everywhere, just because they have accounts and insurance dont mean that the guys on checkatrade are any good, plus they remove bad reviews so i wouldn't be looking at those websites, you need word of mouth as to who to go with everytime, maybe as you are driving around and see a really nice driveway ask who did the work and if the people were happy. most people would be happy to have a few min chat with you.

sadly your mistrust is common because every tom dick and harry have been doing dodgy work during a recession as plumbing or plastering might have dried up... get a spec in your quotes and i dont see a problem being around while the work is being done, although hassling the workers wont do anyone any favours.

[Carberry]

No issues with customers being around or not. If customers can't be around then I tell them I will take photos at each stage clearly showing that I'm putting in correct amount of type 1 etc and following the spec that I lay out in the quote.

Best way is recommendations from friends and family, you could also phone some of the regulars on this site for a quote.

[London Stone Paving]

Agree with Carberry, get someone from the brew cabin to take a look.