Is it better to let a builder manage a house refurbishment work or manage it yourself?
Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.53 PM
Is it better to let a builder manage a house refurbishment work or manage it yourself e.g getting quotes separately for flooring, new bathroom, painting/decorating etc? I don't think the house needs complete refurbishment. Everything works but just a bit dated (1980s built). So ideally I would like new painting, new carpets, replace white goods in the kitchen, change to gas hobs (gas connection already there), change of bathroom units, may be the heating only boiler to combi boiler (It has a hot water tank with shower pump and cold water storage in the attic - does it mean the water pressure is low?), re-wiring only if needed. Thanks.
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Thank you all for your valuable advice :)
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
When I’m quoting up a refurbishment I sit down with the client first explain how the whole job is going to run to make sure they are happy. Once everything agreed then I would start the job. If the client was staying at the property while the works going on I would do day chats to make sure they know what’s happen, and what the plan was the next day. If they were living else where then I would update with photos daily with a brief email and also weekly calls.
Thanks
It's a "marriage " the builder can give you ideas but ultimately is your decision. Obviously the builder, being the expert can envisage things you may not. And conversely you may give a suggestion jot previously thought of.
Answered14 September 2020
3
Anonymous user
You should you get a competent refurbishment company, who is registered on my builder, ( as we have to pass a questionnaire on here) You should have a project manager to liase with and work together , A proper company should be able to source trades used prior to commencement, too qualify any concerns at the outset. Many thanks
Hi Ray,
In my opinion it is better to have a builder manage your house refurbishment for the following reasons:
- too many separate quotes and builders, would mean having different teams crossing each other and also having to deal with separate situations that could be stressing
- you could have a single manager / builder place a bulk order and take charge of the materials delivery, with one or two bulk deliveries instead of having to source materials from different suppliers in various day
- it will cost less to offer more jobs to one builder rather than having several teams, that in our experience, separately do charge more. Builders often offer discounts when you need a complete refurb
I hope this will help you take the most convenient decision for you
Thank you
CubanBuilder
Answered23 September 2020
0
Anonymous user
A good building contractor will manage your project correctly and more importantly be responsible to the Customer for all aspects of the completed build.
No hiding behind blaming bad workmanship on 'another tradesman'.
In our experience giving one firm overall responsibility for your job gives peace of mind, no chasing sub-contractors for the customer, and in most cases excellent value for money.
