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Expert Advice Kevin's View On Finding A Builder

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Date Published:
19/06/2008

Kevin's View

Kevin: Kevin's View On Finding A Builder

For years on television I have consistently counselled people to get three quotes from three reputable firms and go, not for the cheapest, but for the tender that they believe to be the best balance between price and quality.

This is assuming you follow the route of employing a main contractor, something I advise. If you want to contract a dozen small subcontractors yourself, so be it. You underestimate what it will cost you in time and money and cock-ups. Fact. If you want to employ a project manager who'll bring on his own subbies for you to pay direct (this is known as contract management) well then, I've always applauded that route as an alternative.

But, but... it seems to me that the very best route, the one that defies all seeming good counsel, is to employ someone who you know, like and trust. Or who at least has been known and trusted by a friend of yours.

The process of building is so intricate and so bedevilled with the possibilities for betrayal and skulduggery that trust and good faith will surpass in the end any contract or list of extras. Trust a recommendation from a friend, trust what your eyes tell you and go and look at a builder's work. And trust your nose.

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  1. We have just received planning permission to almost double the size of our small Victorian(?)farm house. This is a self build project & includes comprehensive alterations to the existing including high levels of insulation and ground source heating. We are on clay which,together with our open plan design & unusual construction, raises interesting structural issues. Might Kevin be interested in this for a programme?
    Posted by Tim Barrett on 24/05/2009 07:16:59
    Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment

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