Cowboy Builders, and how to avoid them!
There is no shortage of horror stories of people that have fallen victim to the work of rogue tradesman and cowboy builders. But when looking for the right contractors to undergo your project – how can you spot the wrong ones?
Here are a few key warning signs to look for to avoid being another unlucky statistic:
Too Available
If you’re in talks with a contractor about your project and they’re able to start as early as the following day, this should be your first warning sign! A good tradesman wouldn’t have such immediate availability.
No Office Contact
If the only way to contact the builder is directly through their mobile and they don’t have an office address or landline it makes them a lot harder to trace, which is a common quality of a cowboy builder.
Asking for cash payments upfront
If your contractor is asking you for a cash deposit before starting the project – there’s a high chance that you’re dealing with a rogue tradesman! A contractor with a stable business wouldn’t ask for more than a 15% deposit upfront prior to starting a project and it would always be invoiced.
Technical Jargon
Quite often, cowboy builders will throw unnecessary technical terminology at you during an initial meeting to try and confuse you into accepting a price that isn’t right for your project. Never be afraid to ask them to explain the project in a way you’ll understand – there are no stupid questions!
Lack of paper trail
A text message with a price doesn’t count as an official quote.Someone that is running a legitimate business will more often than not have headed paper that includes their company VAT number along with an office address and phone number. Always request an official Invoice before making any payments.
Vague
If the contractor you’re speaking to is dodging questions about materials, labour costs and timelines for your project – your vulnerable to being hit with a string of unseen extra costs that you didn’t account for – whether you’re happy with the outcome of the project or not.
All extra costs (and refunds) should be discussed, documented and signed for.
Snagging
Any construction business worth their weight in salt will offer you a snagging opportunity 6 months after the project is completed. This is called ‘The Defect Liability Period’ and covers you in the event of cracks due to settling or minor amendments here and there (2.5% of the contract value is the standard amount that you should be invited to hold back until all the snagging is completed to your complete satisfaction). A cowboy builder will most definitely not give you this opportunity and it’s recommended that you enquire about this at the start.
Established builders are the way to go!
Working with a well-known and professional construction firm such as Elivate Ltd will ensure that there is complete transparency between you and your builder. Giving you peace of mind that your development is in safe and reliable hands. You don’t have a take our word for it – our reviews and case studies speak for themselves… Testimonials
If you’re on the lookout for super tradesmen to undergo your project, please don’t hesitate to call us to arrange a free consultation meeting with our Managing Director, Mark Fowles.