Revenge of the builder

Builders have a reputation of not starting a job when they should, making a mess and charging over the odds. But is this fair? According to an article in the Sunday Times Homes supplement Builders Bite Back, builders tell a different story. Is it actually clients and homeowners who are not keeping their end of the bargain? Many job delays are actually beyond builders' control, such as bad weather, clients ordering custom made materials or being slow with decisions. Often builders are not good at communicating the way they work and this leads to misconceptions. It could well be the client who is the cause.

The ten simple rules to help you get your job done on time and stay on good terms with your builders are:

1. Give them space (clear up before they arrive)
2. Don't use their tools (especially filling the skip up) as this will cause delays
3. Make decisions quickly
4. Don't put them in the middle of differences of opinion of husband and wife
5. Don't change your mind
6. Don't ask for little extras
7. Don't hold back full payment at the end of the job only unfinished work
8. Don't be greedy and try to get 'summat for nowt'
9. Show some respect (shouldn't this be number one?)
10. Communicate what you want and show appreciation when the jobs right

It all boils down to common sense and courtesy at the end of the day!

Comments

[Martin Cavana]

This articel should be saved by all builders and trademen and given to customers along with the job quotation! Also, from experience it helps me when I give the customers a copy of my terms and conditions at the start of the job. Most of the points raised here are covered and it just lets everyone know what their position is.