aAsk a Tradesman

What is a reasonable payment schedule for a £8,000 job?

Should I give a deposit on confirmation of wanting a builder to do this work?

The job is estimated to take 3 weeks.

Many thanks

Additional Info: The builder I was thinking of using has asked for the following (I feel the 25% deposit is too high):

A deposit based on 25% of the total quotation (£8,000) is required on confirmation of the order, and 25% each week ending based on works completed.

Additional info: The builder is a member of FMB, so I am assuming he won't run off with the deposit!

Additional info: I see what you are all saying, but I am a good payer, but I guess the builder will not know this.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

We have just moved into a house, and 6 months on a crack has appeared from underneath a bedroom window down to the top of our patio doors. Should I be worried??

Darn! Any idea of cost if it is the lintel? The crack is more prominent up by the window. They were replaced about 15 years ago.

We are currently in the process of trying to buy a house, which is owned by a FMB member. He has already done some renovations including fitting a new boiler, bathrooms, plumbing and electrical work (some of the latter done by an NICEIC member).
Although the builder has been doing this work for 4 years and currently lives in the house he claims on the basis of some remaining decorative work that the renovations are still in progress and that consequently he doesn't need to provide either Building Regulations or completion certificates for any of the work, nor has he provided any receipts or warranties.
We offered the full asking price after being assured by him that there were guarantees for everything.
Is there anything we can/should do at this stage?

We have purchased a property which has not been touched for 42 years.
Its structurally sound but needs central heating, probably a complete re-plaster, new bath/ kitchen and redecoration throughout. We do have double glazing though!
Where would a professional suggest we start? And where should we splash out and where can we afford to keep it cheap & cheerful?
Our intention is to do up and sell if possible.
Thanks for any responses!

In the process of buying a victorian semi which needs a lot of work. External side wall has been rendered but it is starting to come off at the top resulting in some damp seeping down behind and penetrating into the internal walls. I would like to remove all the render to take it back to lovely red brick but not sure how to do this, or how much it would cost. Is this something which we could do ourselves and how do we remove it without damaging the brick underneath. How should the wall be treated afterwards? An idea of the process of removing external render would be great. Any suggestions much appreciated. Thanks.

Hi

I have good quality kitchen units but they're very dark wood.
I wanted to get them painted but I'm not sure how much it would cost or if I'd need to get them stripped first ... or is it cheaper just to get new units?

Lisa

Please can you give me some advice, I want to knock down the joining wall between my kitchen and dining room, as it is load bearing I will need to put in an RSJ. Will I need to seek a Structural Engineer or a Quantity Surveyor? I will also need some advice re. building regulations. Will I be required to get these in advance of the work or will this be organised for me by the builder/surveyor?

An urgent response would be appreciated!

Arrrrgh!

Jeni

How much would it cost to completly refurb. Assuming the structure / roof is sound. But will need full rewire, central heating, new bath room and kitchen. Re plaster and new foor coverings. An extention into the side return at the back of the property with patio doors onto the garden. New sash windows at the front (4 windows in total). I was thinking about £40k including all materials and labour. Would this be possible?