Page 1 of 1
Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 10:24 am
by 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
Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 1:01 pm
by 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.
Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 3:06 pm
by 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.
Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 4:40 pm
by 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
Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 6:44 pm
by 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.
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:54 am
by danensis
waynefeltham wrote: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).