Property Refurbishments and Listed Building Repairs in Guildford | Finding a Perfect Team of Builders
When you are looking for builders to assist you with property refurbishments or listed building repairs, we strongly advise that you consider your choices carefully. Most new home builders and commercial builders working in the modern era meet the current codes of practice set out in the UK Building Regulations, but the best companies have a network of trusted tradespeople with the skillsets needed to produce workmanship of a superior quality.
These are the companies that can offer you a complete in-house service for refurbishments and repairs in Guildford, and for space-creating changes to a home through property extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions.
Other businesses will be general builders who will still complete work to the required standards, but they may not have any specialist skillsets.
Greens Building Contractors covers all locations in the Guildford area.
We have a combined team of builders, carpenters, joiners and associated trades. This means we can deliver a design-and-build service accompanied by professional management of the entire project.
Here, we offer our suggestions on finding a reputable building company for property refurbishments, listed building repairs and more:
- Talk to family, friends and neighbours in Guildford who have recently used a company of builders and ask about their service delivery and workmanship. It is also worth talking to trade associations to check that any credentials or references offered are deemed to be genuine
- Limit your search and find a building company displaying the TrustMark symbol on its website. This scheme shows you that tradespeople have passed the required membership checks, and it clarifies new home builders and commercial builders show due diligence on every job
- Ask to be taken to see previously completed projects in Guildford. This is a great way to see a builder’s workmanship first-hand. If possible, talk to the person who had the work done and ask for feedback. Would they recommend using the same building company on future projects?
- Obtain quotations from at least three building companies. Compare all of them carefully. You should ensure the company you are considering has provided accurate costs for materials, fixtures, fittings and labour when quoting for property refurbishments and listed building repairs
- Reach an agreement on price and always study contracts carefully before signing them. Always question upfront payments and only make them if you understand what the payment will cover. Pay with a credit card wherever possible so that you have protection should you need it
If you are pondering over property extensions or thinking of loft conversions or garage conversions, the advice above will still come in handy.
What Happens When Something Goes Wrong?
Even the best builders can encounter obstacles as a project unfolds. The true testament to being a reputable building company is overcoming any issues that arise without incurring extra expense for customers unless it is absolutely necessary. The same principle applies to timescales. If new home builders or commercial builders have planned and designed to a sufficient standard, any issues should be rare. Just remember to be fair in your own approach too and realise that the unexpected occasionally occurs within our trade.
If you have assigned a building company to a project in Guildford and you feel unhappy with the results, we advise the following:
- Give the contractor time to put things right. If you are still unhappy with a builder’s workmanship, put a resolution deadline in place
- Consider withholding final payments but understand that you will still need to honour any terms that apply to you in a written contract
- Keep a record of calls, conversations and site visits. Take photographs of unsatisfactory workmanship, assigning them times and dates
- If you are still unhappy with your chosen building company, talk to their trade associations or call your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau
- Talk to the building control officer of your local authority for Guildford and ask for their help, especially with health and safety issues
With property refurbishments and listed building repairs undertaken, we can assure you that builders and tradespeople take their responsibilities seriously. Having a good local reputation is important to a building company so, if you do have a few issues, the chances are that your contractor will do everything in their power to satisfy you and protect their own business interests.
With Greens Building Contractors, you have access to general builders, new home builders and commercial builders, and to a wider subcontractor team that includes carpenters, joiners, electricians, plumbers and gas engineers.
This means that building work in Guildford, including property extensions, loft conversions and garage conversions, is specified and managed by a single business that covers everything. Instead of having to call several different companies to find the tradespeople you need, our own company will supply them all. This leaves you free to relax while we take care of the rest.