Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 3:19 am
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
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
