Are all builders/tradesmen the same?

Question

Over the past two years I have been trying to do up my house, which could have been finished about a year ago; except that every builder/plasterer/joiner/painter etc we've had just messed us around. Either they turn up 3 hours late every day, take 2 hour lunches, don't turn up at all when they say they will. Some take longer on the job to try and get more money, some quote us, say they'll start next week and then never turn up. Some start the job then don't turn up for 2 weeks with no phone calls, they don't answer their phone - and still expect to be paid for the work started! Some go completely AWOL in the middle of a job and we never hear from them again.
If there is anyone out there that can justify that not all tradesmen are the same then I would like to hear from you.
Likewise if you've been in a similar situation, it would be comforting to know that it's not just me.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear you've had so many problems, but it seems to be a problem with the UK building game right now. I'm a freelance building surveyor, and whenever a client asks about how to go about hiring a builder, I always advise them to first contact their local trading standards office, as these often have schemes promoting high class local tradesmen. As you can imagine, a recommendation from trading standards is a potential goldmine to any tradesman and they will work hard to keep it.
If you do have any more building work done, as for a comprehensive quote, NOT an estimate. A quote is fixed, and relates to all the work mentioned on the paperwork it should come with. If any unforeseen extras occur during the course of the works then the builder is within his rights to charge extra for that, as he hasn't quoted for it. An estimate can be altered to suit the builder and as such isn't binding under contract law. Insist that the builder provides details of the cost of all materials, and how he has arrived at his labour charges; ie how many men x how many hours/days. Above all else, DO NOT PAY ANYTHING IN ADVANCE. Any tradesman worth his salt will be confident that his work will be of sufficiently high quality that you will have no reason to withhold payment. Make it clear from the outset that you will not pay any monies until the work is completed and to a satisfactory standard.

Good luck with any work you have done in the future.

Answer 2

Yes it is the same! When people are discriminated against because what they want or need does not fit the definition of what the majority says, it is just wrong. People want to fight change, they look in the dictionary for what marriage says, it does say it is between a man and a woman. What they do not realize is, the definition was defined by men, and as such it will be subject to fine tuning from time to time, as many words in the English language have. A better definition for marriage would be two people who love one another and wish to make a life long commitment to one another. That along with all the other already existing definitions is what Marriage truly is, the sex of the two parties should not be an issue. Osborne_pkg: Maybe do some research? Slavery, Woman's rights, and Interracial marriage were all in opposition by the Majority. The majority fought against freeing slaves, women voting, and interracial marriages, only to be corrected by the minority. That is what is happening now with Gay rights! David I: You are greatly mistaken if you believe America was established on Christian morals or by Christians. There were many religons involved all of which were decided should have no influence on the Government (Seperation of Church and State) and there were even Atheists in the group of our founding fathers. America was founded on the "Taxation without Repersentation" argument. As always it was about money and personal rights, not religion.

Answer 3

They are NOT all the same. I have been in the construction industry for 10 years & I have seen it all, I think. There are still times when I am shocked that a company can stay in business doing the things they due. I am currently self employees in the landscaping business. I show up to my job for the day at 7:00 am every morning, do not take breaks & do not leave until I am done. My thinking is TIME IS MONEY. I do not get paid if I do not work. Unfortunatly I see it all the time with others. The reasoning for this uncalled for behavier is the industry is hurting severly for qualified help. Since there is limited competition & all companies are going through the same problems it has become common place to deal with what you get. This is a huge problem with our beloved country we just except what is given to us and do not stand up until it is to late. Do not worry there are still good hard working knowlegable contractors out there who take pride in there work. They are just hard to find. Sorry for the miss spells my spell check is not working & my spelling stinks.

Answer 4

Have had the same frustrating problem! Before any work is done, draw up a contract and be specific with times, dates, materials, etc for both to sign. Also, you can use a check-off system where everytime they complete a portion of the project, detail exactly what they did and both sign it. Take pictures of each stage (before and after) of work. Document, document, document! Then you have a strong case for court should it come to that. If they don't show up for a scheduled appt. DON'T hire them. This is evidence of how they will treat you.
Recently had this to happen (contractor tried to put me off). I was firm and said "No, you will be here or I will call the contracting company, Lowe's." He came right over.

Answer 5

Always choose recommendations, or personal experience of a persons abilities. If you are single female householder, builders will often take liberties. You should have control of the work/payment cycle; if you are unhappy tell them so. Do this with all Tradesmen, Teachers, Doctors, Dentists etc. Our silence allows them to do shoddy work, title is nothing, results are everything.

Answer 6

If you find a contractor you are thinking of hiring check them out with the BBB in your area. I would also check with the local building/trades commission. I would make it a point to report any unscrupulous contractor to the BBB and let them know that you plan to do so. Word of mouth is a very powerful advertising tool and can make or break some businesses. Make sure you have your documentation and get the word out about these "scammers"! We have no right to complain that no one listens if we don't speak up!

Answer 7

My husband is a teacher and builds homes in the summer. He is the most concientious builder. He cares about the quality of the home he is building. He has many people seeking him out. Unfortunately he has had to go in and finish homes that were started by builders you described. Sad, as the cost of a new home is very expensive and you want it done right.

Answer 8

No they're not all the same at all. Unfortunately in the UK there are no controls on people calling themselves builders so there are a lot of cowboys. Best to ask around neighbours, friends and workmates to see if they can recommend someone.

Answer 9

there is no one out here that can justify that sort of behaviour ..but some times its not all ways our fault ..i find it hard to believe you could have had such bad luck with all these people without yourselves being partly to blame .i have been a builder for over forty years ..we start at eight every morning ..non of my men smoke or drink on the job .i have finished every job i have started..and all of my 4000 plus customers have paid me ..we are not all bad ..i never advertise ..ask your Friends and only employ those recommended..

Answer 10

They often overcommit themselves which causes delays. Get 2 or 3 lined up and whoever shows up first gets the job. You might ask in your social circles for references and hopefully you'll get an honest one.