Looking for Red Flags When Hiring a Builder in Goudhurst and Knowing When to Walk Away
Finding a builder to work on your home is a huge decision. Whether a customer is planning a new build, an extension, a renovation, a loft conversion or other building work, you are trusting someone with the property you own and also a significant amount of money. At Parallel Builders, we believe you should feel completely comfortable with the company you choose but, if you don’t, we suggest that you walk away.
If you are searching for a builder in Goudhurst, there will be clear warning signs to watch for. Spotting them early could save you from unnecessary expenses and delays, and from a mountain of frustration.
This blog post discusses the hallmarks of a builder of poor repute.
Vague Quotations and Unclear Costs
Be cautious whenever a builder provides a price without discussing a job in detail or the work involved. A quotation is meant to give you a reasonable understanding of what you are paying for rather than it simply presenting you with a final figure for the completed project.
Building works can uncover unexpected issues but that doesn't mean a quotation should be a mystery. If you ask sensible questions about a price, but struggle to get a straightforward answer, think carefully before committing. Sometimes, walking away will be the best option.
Thankfully, most builders in Goudhurst are professional people.
Pressure to Make a Quick Decision
Good builders understand that a customer needs time to consider what options they have. You should never feel pressured into accepting an initial quotation, paying a deposit, or agreeing to additional works immediately. This tactic is often used by a less-reputable builder.
Remember that you have already invested in your Goudhurst home, so a quotation that isn’t transparent should make alarm bells ring.
Statements suggesting that a price is only available if you agree to it, there and then, should make you cautious. Your builder should be happy to explain the proposed work, then give you reasonable time to decide, but without constantly calling to ask you for a commitment.
Poor Communication Before Work Starts
Communication matters throughout any building project. Pay attention to how a builder communicates from your first enquiry. Will calls be returned? Do they turn up when agreed? Are questions being answered clearly? If communication is consistently difficult before you use a company, there is little reason to assume it will suddenly improve.
Once work begins, it could already be too late.
A reputable builder will communicate well from your initial enquiry, all the way through to handover, and won’t mind revisiting you if a job in Goudhurst demands it. Custom must be built on trust because, without it, the resulting workmanship might not meet high standards.
Reluctance to Discuss Previous Work
Any established builder should be comfortable talking about previous projects, and their trade experience. If somebody continually avoids questions about similar work, cannot provide suitable examples or is usually defensive when you ask about their background, consider why.
We are not suggesting you interrogate every builder you meet.
However, asking about experience is perfectly reasonable if you need credentials about somebody who could soon be working on your home in Goudhurst. Any tradesperson who is reluctant to communicate now will most likely be reluctant to communicate once the project starts.
Requests for Large Upfront Payments
Deposits and staged payments are common in the building sector, more so when materials need to be ordered in advance. However, you should understand what each payment covers, and when it is due. Always ask for material costs to be added to your quotation, but keep in mind a small mark-up to cover the time of your builder is more than fair.
Be especially wary of unexplained demands for substantial sums prior to meaningful work starting at a property in or around Goudhurst.
No matter how small the query, always ask a builder for clarity. The best tradespeople should understand why you need to be well-informed and will have no reservations at all in painting a clearer picture.
Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes the best decision is simply to choose another builder.
If something doesn't add up, promises start to change or you feel as if a tradesperson isn’t confident with the answers you are receiving from them, never ignore these concerns because you have already used your own time by making contact, talking and obtaining a quotation.
There are other building companies in Goudhurst and you are entitled to compare them individually before reaching your final decision.
Parallel Builders believes in earning a customer’s confidence before the tools come out, and will always be happy to put time into you or your project. If you are looking for a reliable builder in Goudhurst or help with your project, call us now and find out how we can help.