Extensions

Employing a builder and what to ask and do

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.45 PM

Hello, This is a general question regarding what should be reasonably expected when employing a builder. We are about to start an extension and are at the stage of chosing a builder. We have provided detailed drawings for the builders to base quotes on. We have asked them to break the quote down in to stages so that we can see what we will be paying for. I would like to pay for work once it has been done. I understand that payment can some times be made in stages. That the total is broken down into several parts. However, if I understand this right then if for what ever reason the builder stopped work part way through and we had paid him 2 stage payments then this sum of money may not equal the amount of work that they have done. I have read other stories where people have had to get work valued to see if what they have paid has been done. I don't want to put myself in to this position. Instead I would ike to pay for what has been done, once its done. I'm happy to pay weekly etc. Is this reasonable/understandable? What do I need to do before employing a builder? I am going to get a copy of public liability, check recent references and get a detailed quote. What more should I do? No matter how much we try to forsee all pitfuls I'm sure we will still fall foul of some. We have been ripped off in the past. Trusted people who we thought were decent. Believeing an agreed price for work would be the price we paid on completeion when it wasn't. Asking people not to do extra work until they have agreed a price with us, yet they still do extra work with out agreeing it and then adding this to final bill. They argue that the work has been done and its our responsibilty to pay. We want it to be different this time. If anyone has any words of wisdom that would be grately received. Thanks