Saturday, June 15, 2013

Getting Prepared To Hire Porch Builders

By Grace Daniels


Adding value and curb appeal to your home is easily achieved by adding a porch. Choosing the right porch builders to do the job will take a bit research. Research will ensure that you avoid bad workmen who take your cash and leave you with a porch half built, or one that a very poor standard. You will find it beneficial if you do your research and prepare a checklist of the subjects you want to raise with the builders you have shortlisted.

If you are the type of person who is uncomfortable about interviewing tradesmen, have a friend or a family member present to give you some support. Preparing a list of the questions you want to ask will ensure you do not miss anything important. Boost your self-confidence by reminding yourself that you are in charge and are paying for the right to ask probing questions. If the individual is reluctant to answer your questions, or comes across as pushy, you should cross their name of your shortlist.

Prior to selecting and meeting with builders do some research on building regulations in your area. There may some differences in regulations from one area to another, so it always pays to check. Your research should tell you whether you need architectural plans drawn up and whether you need approval to build onto your home. If a builder suggests there are ways around the red tape, you should think twice about hiring them.

Ask the builder for the details of similar jobs completed in the last few months. Ask for the details and arrange to visit and speak to several clients about the service and quality of the builders work. Do not just accept photographs or glossy brochures as evidence of satisfactory work.

Use local companies whenever possible. It is much easier to check that they are an established firm with roots in the area, if they have premises you can visit. Keep in mind that the further the workmen have to travel to reach your property, the higher the travel costs on your bill.

Check if they are members of any local or national building associations. You can verify their membership with the association, which should help to reassure you that they comply with standards set out by the association. If they have been given quality awards for their work, it is also a reassuring sign.

Ask about the general liability insurance and is it adequate in case your property is damaged by the workmen. It is also important that they have workers compensation insurance in case any of the workmen have an accident while on your property. You should not take a risk with a builder who has insufficient cover or in some cases none at all.

Porch builders should be licensed to carry out work. If their license is out of date, or has been revoked, the builder is working illegally. If they are unable to provide a valid licence, they have likely been disqualified for quality of work, or serious complaints from clients. Legitimate, honest and hard working builders will have no qualms in producing the relevant paperwork and information you request.




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