A Builders advice
I keep reading articles about working with builders and it’s frustrating for me as a builder because it’s never written by a builder.
So if you would like to hear advice straight from the horse’s mouth an experienced builder then please continue reading…
Proper planning
We builders are very practical thinkers we like clear and precise information and no matter how much you ask our opinion on colours and what goes with what we don’t have a clue but we can create it for you.
So have a clear vision don’t waste time talking to the builder about lighting effects and what colour goes with what, this is a waste of every ones time and money. The builder is there to put your plans from paper into reality not design.
Preparing
I have been on jobs before where customers are completely oblivious to a builder working in their house, personal effects left strewn around, clothing left out, dishes in the sink, then complain when a bit of dust from taking down the adjoining wall has covered all their stuff..
On the flip side to that I have had many jobs where the customer has done a scene from a horror movie on the a property I have been working with plastic and duct tape everywhere to stop any sign of dust spreading.
The latter although sometimes worrying for me when I turn up is a massive help. Of course I put dust sheets out but to the extent of covering furniture/floor and just by leaving the area as clear as possible boosts morale leading to a better working relationship and it can aid in getting the job done quicker and more efficiently.
Deposits
I keep reading at the moment (Builders shouldn’t ask for a deposit, they have credit accounts with the suppliers)
Great bit of advice!
What happens to the builder if the customer doesn’t pay?? Who clears the credit accounts? Who pays the employees wages??
I have a strict rule of asking for a deposit up front.
A minimum of 20% is required before I commence works maybe even 50% is required if special equipment/materials are required.
Think about it from the our point of view, how can I trust you will even pay me at the end of the job? I don’t know if your able to afford the works you have asked to have done, we are not allowed to ask for your bank statement to check you have the funds available.
But you can easily check up on me. You can see what reviews I have had, look at my website, asked me for references, even go and see works I have carried out.
A deposit is also a commitment that you are serious about having the works undertaken.
Before I start let’s say an extension I have to spend a couple days running around, ordering materials, arranging and planning labour. If the customer a couple days before suddenly says “I don’t want it doing anymore”
I’m suddenly left with a void in the diary, lost time spent arranging/planning the job. The guys I’ve arranged to get in and do works are also in the same position and I have had to cancel the materials I have ordered from the merchants and if anything was a special product ordered in just for this specific job I would be charged a handling fee from the merchants as well.
I understand the worry given money upfront and we have all seen the programmes where the builder runs of with loads of cash the customer has handed over which is why choosing a builder is so important and proper procedures be followed which I will cover next month..
Hopefully this gives you a small insight into why a deposit is asked for.
Toby Sloley
Amazon No1 best seller of “Through a builders eye” Knowing what to look for when investing in property.