Don't Blame The Builder Don't Blame The Builder: Show Info

Comments

1. Having read the comments below, I feel that some of the people posting them are missing the point slightly. Of the three episodes shown so far, two of them showed clearly that the original price quoted for the work was too low. Jeff commented early in both programs that he would have expected the job to cost substantially more than the agreed figure. To complete a job it takes a certain amount of money if you want the job done well. Both of the builders who required more money to complete the job, it was shown on the programs, were working to a good standard. The real problems were that the builders were quoting too low for the work. I believe it was stated in one program that the customer had had three quotes two substantially higher than the one they agreed. If one price is that much lower than the others you have to ask yourself why? Contrary to some peoples beliefs, most trades people want to do a good job at a fair price. If you think that £2500 a week for labour is a lot you have obviously never run a business. That money has to pay all the men he had on site, which on that program was 5 plus himself., add to that the cost of running his van, depreciation on plant and equipment, insurances, tax, NI for himself and his employees and the many more overheads and I promise you there wouldn't be that much left. I understand that if you agree a price for a job and that is a quoted price and not an estimate, then you expect the job to be done at that price as long as there have been no unforeseeable extras. This is why I never reduce a price that I have quoted to compete with another quote. The price I work out in the first place is the amount it will cost to do the work, therefore it can't be trimmed without jeopardising the quality of the finish. The problem with good trades people quoting too low is they end up with not enough money to finish the job as shown on the program. Once the money runs out how can the builders continue with the job? Would you work for weeks at your job knowing you are not going to get paid? Builders have mortgages and bills to pay too. My Advice is this, get three itemised quotes, get references from previous work or even the work they are currently on and then choose the middle quote. Beware of cheap quotes, they are either using cheap materials, poor labour, working to a low standard or they have simply made a mistake and they will be asking for more later on.

   Posted by Tradesman Mike on 28/08/2008 20:01:20

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
2. clients seek expertise from their builders. all builders seem to do is antagonise the situation and then blame the client. I saw all 3 programmes and felt that the clients really were hard done by, of course the client wants it as cheaply as possible and builders want as musch as they can get. tonight's episode saw the builder requiring £2500 per week for labour!!! absolutely disgusting. I am a firefighter on £12.21 per hour and more than happy with that for the job I do, how on earth is a plumber able to command £60 per hour, I don't see them risk their lives!!! I have recently had work done, 3 bathrooms and a kitchen, absolute hell, 2 years of hell. In complete contrst, I bought an apartment in Turkey, the workmanship and finish absolutely exceeds that of the arrogant Brits, I have actually been humbled by the experience and would gladly give them £60 per hour for their expertise. in fact, my joiner charges £16 per hour and is far more skilled than the plumber. something is so very wrong, there is an imbalance and customers are intimided. tradesman have a really bad name and no one seems to bother, the customer should have done this, the customer should have done that. what about the tradesperson? what do they have to do...turn up do a good job and don't over charge, it's as simple as that.. how many kitchens, bathrooms, boilers etc do customers deal with in an average lifetime? not many compared to the trades who must be the ones with the expertise to guide the customer. they don't because they know they can get away with ripping people off. it is disgusting and i am sorry jeff, i felt that you were not much help to the already helpless customers in your show.

   Posted by jane on 26/08/2008 21:35:36

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
3. We have just watch the programme about Jen and her builder. We are amazed that a builder should have been so rude to her. He came across as taking advantage of a female on her own. We felt that Jeff didn't help the situation. Why was the builder being paid in CASH? No builder we have ever used has asked for money up front. They have alway been paid on completion and we have never had to supply the equipment. The builders attitude was unacceptable. Why has it cost all that money if Jen was supplying all the fixture and fittings. Our symathy goes out to Jen. And l hope people see this builder for what he is. If he does like paper work why doesn't he have a accountant. All clients need estimates and receipts. We think she was very good to continue with him, saying that though she had paid out a lot of money to him. Outrages!!!

   Posted by Dennis & Susan on 26/08/2008 21:18:27

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
4. I felt sorry for Jen. I'm surprised she remained so calm; but I guess she just wanted to get the job finished. If that guy treats all his clients like that, I'm surprised he gets any work at all. His abrupt attitude, and attempts of humour were embarrassing. For some odd reason, the builder found it difficult to process the fact that Jen didn't want to make complete payment until she was sure she got her money's worth. I've never seen such a simple concept confuse someone so much. Oh well, hopefully after that performance, he'll see a sudden drop in business, and sit there wondering what happened. Anyways, I'm glad Jen finally ended up with a nice home.

   Posted by PropertyGuy on 26/08/2008 21:09:49

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
5. John the builder was intimidating to Jen and it was totally unreasonable for him to expect her to pay before he'd finished. The fact that he didn't do the snagging says it all. They are a law unto themselves and made me feel they were doing me a favour taking my money!

   Posted by Liz on 26/08/2008 21:04:23

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment
6. hi, just sitting down and watching your new show dont blame the builder. i think its great that this type of show has been aired and about time. im a local builder in huntingdon and have been ripped off by this type of customer a good few times and did not realize that there was this kind of support. about time they made a show about BAD customers. thanks

   Posted by glenn popham on 26/08/2008 20:36:19

   Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment