Having work carried out on your home can be made easier by selecting a reliable contractor and getting satisfactory answers to all your questions and concerns. This does not have to be a stressful, complicated process from beginning to end, here are some helpful hints and advice to make your building or renovation experience as smooth as possible! Select a builder who is fully insured and guarantees the works in writing and insist on a contract. Hold back (retention clause) an agreed % of the total contract price for an agreed period of time following completion of works as set out by the contract. At the end of the retention period the builder then can return to survey the works with you and if necessary carry out any repairs (e.g. filling cracks to plaster work and re decorating). Put everything in writing if something goes wrong you will have something to fall back on other than the retention clause. Before you decide to undertake a building project, be sure you are clear on what you want. Remember changes in the middle of a project can cause delays and incur more costs. Obtain at least two quotes from your choice of builders. Having builders working at your property day after day requires understanding of the project's time frame and good communication. Explain what you expect and how you would like things done and agree a reasonable work schedule for the project to be completed on time.
