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Hertfordshire
Builders, Building Services and Builders' Merchants

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Hertfordshire's
Web Site, is geared to providing information about Hertfordshire.
It has excellent 'Business to Business'
links as well has a good A-Z of Hertfordshire
based companies
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One major factor
when choosing a builder is this; 'don't assume your builder is a mind
reader'.
With this in mind
get your full specification down in writing. Don't forget such tasks
as clearing up and tidying site at the end of the working day. If you
expect your builder to clean up, put it in writing. If you expect your
builder to dispose of building rubble ... record it.
Even if your builder
tells you that you won't need planning permission, always check and
confirm this with your planning office.
Don't be embarrassed
to ask for references, and check them anyone can say,
I did the extension at no 44. Pop around and have a chat with
the occupier and ask if they are happy with the building work, the builders
and crew and the after sales service; warranty and guarantee.
Ideally, you should
obtain at least three builders quotes, but the more, the better. The
cheapest isn't always the best option and double check that the quote
complies with the written specification. Don't get drawn into 'estimates'
you need to demand a fixed quote. An estimate is only a flexible
price that could soar when the work begins and estimates are always
subject to change. Make sure you agree to terms in the event of further
materials being required ..who pays?
Obtain at least three written quotes from different builders
do not always choose the cheapest. Make sure that all quotes reflect
the same work specification in terms of materials, site clearance, time
scale etc. Make certain that wherever possible these are fixed quotes
rather than estimates which are subject to change.
Apart from references, ask your builder what types of work they have
done before. They may specialise in certain jobs such as basement conversions,
loft/attic extensions etc.
How long have they been in business? A long clean pedigree is worth
far more than a nice man with a good sales pitch!
Do they have professional premises that you can visit and discuss the
project further?
What guarantees to they offer? Is the guarantee backed by a reputable
insurance company that will cover the work should the builder go out
of business.
Does the builder have membership to a trade association or professional
body? If they are, ring the association and verify their membership.
Ask what protection they offer should the job go wrong. Is the builder
signed up to a 'Considerate Constructors' scheme? Do they have an arbitration
system should disputes fail.
These are sensible precautions and offer some sort of safeguard.
Building projects often go over time and over budget. Agree on an expected
time frame and penalties should the deadline not be met ...get it in
writing and signed.
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Linley Developments
Spectrum House
Dunstable Road
Redbourn
St. Albans
Herts
AL3 7PR
Ginga Designs
22 South Riding
St. Albans,
Bricket Wood,
Hertfordshire
AL2 3NE
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MM Property
Maintenance
10 Barry Close
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL2 3HN
B. J. Cobb
Builders Ltd
14 Leggatts Close
Watford,
Hertfordshire
WD24 5NG
G 3 Property
Services
8 Heronsgate Rd
Rickmansworth,
Chorleywood,
Hertfordshire
WD3 5BW
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BJ Builders
399 Hatfield Road
St Albans
Herts
AL4 0XP
Dolphin Building
Services
33 Hagden La
Watford,
Hertfordshire
WD18 0HJ
Hemel Environmental
Services
8 Tree Bridge House
Garston Lane
Watford,
Hertfordshire
WD25 9QR
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