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Choosing a Good Builder

Finding Local Builders You Can Trust

When commencing an extension, renovation or new build the prospect of dealing with builders and subcontractors can be quite daunting. It is important to find the right builders for you as unfortunately there are those out there who will take advantage of inexperience.

If possible get referrals from family and friends, or more importantly talk to your architect. Your architect will have building companies they have worked with on many projects and can offer you a genuine recommendation for high quality tradesmen.

Ask for a schedule of quantities and prices for your project. This will give you a good benchmark to judge each quotation you receive and further along the build, less risk of hidden extras being added.

Retrieve several quotations and don’t be surprised if they vary dramatically. To ensure they are all quoting for the same extent of work ask for a full breakdown. Also watch out for provisional sums. These are estimates and may cost you more than anticipated in the future. Try to retrieve a complete comprehensive quote, although this may not always be possible if quoting for further trades such as electricians.
Many builders will use a Quantity Surveyor in pricing the work which will produce a very accurate well considered quote, but the key to this is a very good and detailed set of construction drawings.

We at Dylan Morton Design & Architecture will help with every step of this process from recommending builders to the important stage of scrutinising and comparing the quotes in detail to ensure like for like quotations.

Seeing examples of previous work and testimonials is a must. Ask builders for references from previous customers and contact these people asking questions. Visit the properties and view some of the work.

Utilise project management services offered by architectural companies. This removes some of the stress and gives you peace of mind that the builders being used are of a quality and experience the architect feels confident in using and is likely to have worked with on previous projects. Project management will not only ensure your build runs more smoothly, but you also have the added peace of mind that what your architect specifies in the drawings is actually followed in the build.

At Dylan Morton Design and Architecture we offer a flexible, full project management service to suit all budgets in addition to our design and architectural services. We work with professionals who we are confident will provide quality workmanship for your extension, renovation or new build.
The process begins with the tender, when we send your construction drawings to three of our approved building contractors, and invite them to tender a quotation for the work.
Each builder will visit your home for an on-site assessment of the project, giving you the opportunity to meet and make a more informed decision when you decide which tender to accept.
We’ll prepare a building contract for you and your chosen builder, and a building program so you know what to expect and when. Your project manager will deal with the day to day supervision of the project, and will be your point of contact throughout construction.

For more information please give us a call.

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  1. Andrew CartlidgeAndrew Cartlidge08-28-2012

    Great Article Dylan.

  2. Tim AchesonTim Acheson01-22-2013

    Sound advice that more people should take note of

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