How to find a GOOD BUILDER in the UK?

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Күн бұрын

Last time we talked about the nightmare situation we had with cowboy builders. Today I’ll give you my tips to finding a good builder in the UK so you can avoid making our mistakes!
Part 1 - Our Builder Nightmare: • Why did we fire our bu...
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Пікірлер: 208

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Download our build budget, plans and more on the Member Zone: members.gosforthhandyman.com/ 👍 Also here's part 1 - our builder nightmare! Enjoy... kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ZtFleq6Iy66adKc.html

@arnoldhills5815 8 ай бұрын

I mean this in the right way, in a way I’m pleased you had the problems you had! Why? Well because without these problems you perhaps wouldn’t have been motivated to make such a useful and helpful video, clearly your building videos are awesome but helping people avoid contractor selection mistakes means starting a job right, which is often overlooked. So as ever, another awesome video, thank you🙂

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words! 👍

@joline2730 6 ай бұрын

@@GosforthHandyman It's a shame you didn't take all your own good advice, and had to find out the hard way 😏 but as the old saying goes 'we learn from our mistakes' Payment: when I get quotes, I dictate how I will be paying the worker, and if they don't like it well, we don't get started. Simple as that. But obviously sometimes there is negotiation. I have had people ask me for money up front and I just say "No, not a chance" because there are cowboys who will never be seen again. Anyway, do you play the Djembe ? Do you have a Cajon? What about a Bodhran? I can see you are into percussion, as am I 🙋‍♀️

@cuebj 8 ай бұрын

6.00 A lot of builders are dyslexic. One reason they were pointed to building as a career is because they struggled at school. A fair number have their wives or partners do the admin and bookkeeping

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Defo, totally get that. Just get someone else to proof read - sorted. 👍

@gillianbc 3 ай бұрын

That's very true. The extension I had built at my last house was done by a builder/joiner that acted as the project manager for all the other trades. He did next door's extension so I knew he could be trusted. He hadn't learned to read until his 20s and his writing was poor, but he was a very clever guy and did an excellent job. For smaller work, electricians, plumbers, heating engineers etc, I've always had the best service from those whose wives take care of the admin/billing/appointments leaving them free to just turn up and do the work.

@TRUCKSAJ 6 ай бұрын

Your content is invaluable, thanks for sharing this detailed approach

@lindyf381 14 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for this. Worth subscribing after watching a few of your extension building videos. ❤ Keep up the good work 👏

@jaysonsladen9756 5 ай бұрын

Another spot on video - well done

@raydriver7300 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing, Andy. Good job 🌞

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

No worries Ray! 😎

@ipb1966 8 ай бұрын

Great video and should be mandatory viewing for anybody looking to engage a builder….and also for builders!

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Cheers!

@MrWestcliffe 8 ай бұрын

Wow thank you very much for this great advise video. BTW I'm also from Newcastle and really found this helpful. I'll be looking for some good builder soon for some additional balcony what I want to add to my new built home along with some Loft conversion. But I will be definitely follow your contents in the future...keep them coming. Many thanks, mate!? :)

@SM-xf5dg 8 ай бұрын

I think you are great and love how you share your knowledge valuable for a single woman

@roberthardy2013 8 ай бұрын

Well done Andy for being upfront with this info. It’s easy when you are getting quotes to gloss over what you initially perceive as minor shortcomings but turn out to be major red flags. Been there,done that and learned how to do loads of different jobs to a good standard - the information is out there, thanks all you guys at The Brew Cabin, great professional info.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Cheers!!

@SteveAndAlexBuild 8 ай бұрын

A very informative video as always Andy . We are truly honoured to be included in your list at the end . We’ve made over 500 videos over 5 years but still get a massive buzz when another channel gives us a mention, cheers buddy 🤩🤜🏽🤛🏽🧱👍🏽

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

You're very welcome and well deserved Steve! Doing the work you guys do and filming it is the hardest thing in the world. Mucky hands and cameras don't mix! Keep up the good work! 👍👍

@hansdegroot8549 8 ай бұрын

Your comment shows true professionalism.

@nigelburton7408 8 ай бұрын

3 quotes from 20?😮 You did well! My not even started yet extension I had 18 builders on a list, 2 visits, zero quotes😢. currently doing evening course on bricklaying, I can't think why.... 😊

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Good luck! Try some of the routes I suggested and see how you get on! 👍

@andymann7762 8 ай бұрын

We recently had a team of scaffolders turn up a couple of doors down and the air turned blue for a few hours. Now, I swear like a trouper myself but I think there is a time and place, but these guys gave no thought to who could hear what was being said at the top of their voices. To me, it reflects really badly on the company whether they are scaffolders, builders or even a You Tube channel. Gosforth Handyman is one of my favourite channels and the fact that Andy doesn't eff and blind all the time is something I really appreciate.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! 👍👍

@dougwilson1769 4 ай бұрын

Brilliant video.

@shaun30-3-mg9zs 8 ай бұрын

Great Tips and advice Andy, I value your opinion Thanks, Take care👍

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@jamiestewart1644 Ай бұрын

Observing some Brazilian landscapers working in London was amusing to say the least. Singing and dancing to Brazilian music, urinating in the clients garden. Smoking weed all day, leering and letching at any female that passed the sight. Drinking alcohol throughout the day and generally not doing much work. Had the neighbour not been a total arse about previous building work, I might have told him.

@MK-yo4jn 7 ай бұрын

Forgot to add a comment and like. Doing so now, excellent video and really handy tips. I think the big thing for me was to realise that I’ll need to contact a load of builders before I get someone who I’ll consider giving my money to 😂

@pcatful 7 ай бұрын

That first letter felt bad to me. A big talker who couldn't be bothered to write a decent proposal. And the cost proposal was too soon. A serious contractor would meet you and get more information before quoting costs. Good builders don't bother to put themselves out on a limb, jumping in to get a job. They are much more careful. You want a builder so good, they do due diligence to decide whether or not they want YOU as a client.

@annleonard1508 7 ай бұрын

Fantastic once again…..love to know about awkward neighbours!

@Jules_Pew 8 ай бұрын

Great video for when I do my next project. It's a shame I won't be able to get my brother to do it again. BTW he started as a hod carrier (when sites had those), got his bricklaying qualifications at night school much later in life, along with site management ones etc. The only contractors I had to pay for were gas people to move the boiler and electrician to sign off the electrics. I bought all the materials direct and ordered all the skips. I have told him numerous times to make a website, and that I'd do it for him.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Sounds like he'd make a killing! In short supply! 👍👍

@galax3628 3 ай бұрын

Trades are really hard to master I did Carpentry NVQ when left school through the CITB and it wasn’t any good. You have to find a builder to do your blocks of on the job training with and they use young people as skivvies which you have to expect but there is not much training in return.

@Pfft613 8 ай бұрын

Great video. Another vote for Brockstone Landscapes, really inspiring level of workmanship from those guys. 👌

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Incredible work!

@normanboyes4983 8 ай бұрын

Nice one Andy.😀👍

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

No worries!

@ashleyberry1116 8 ай бұрын

Every tradesmen I used for a build was paid in cash. No mention of vat ref numbers or searching companies house or anything of that rubbish. Got them all through Facebook recommendations, met them first, showed them the job and they all turned up, do their jobs and took a wad of cash home with them. All ended happily. 👍

@peterwest7855 8 ай бұрын

Andy I'm only half way through your gold advice. In the olden days when writing to people via mail always include a stamped address envelope back to you, so it easy for them to bung a response in the envelope and post it back.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

A very good suggestion! 👍

@bernarddt 8 ай бұрын

What a nice video! I live in South Africa, and we use lots of the same business practices regarding regulation (we mostly copy UK). But as a 3rd world country, we are no way on the standard of the Uk. At least our VAT is only 15% 😆. But honestly, I pride good workmanship and these tips that are common practice in the UK can make my company stand out over here. So thanks for these tips! They are universal not only applies to building projects and tradeship. I'm in IT and tech and can make use of them (we also have onsite staff when hardware is getting installed)!

@antoinelegoux2288 8 ай бұрын

Thank you “Mate” for your great video :-)

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Cheers mate! 😂

@janeann6868 7 ай бұрын

I wish this detailed video was around 6ths ago. I had no idea what renovations entailed, therefore fell pray to the bogus traders. Had to have the roof tiles replaced twice, spent a fortune eventually they ran off with £10,000- the money has now gone and I’m left with cooking on a camp stove. I don’t know how people can live with themselves.

@raydunn3501 8 ай бұрын

Well Done Andy,,, very comprehensive advice,,, How times have changed,,, I just did everything myself,,, swearing as well,,, and my answer to that complaint was its better than being deaf. I dont know if i could cope with all the rules and ifs n buts these days,,, but I guess enlightenment is must today,,, and great you watch all the lads I do as well excellent tradesmen. Best Wishes,,,

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Cheers! 👍👍

@priestland1 8 ай бұрын

Great content as usual. And loving the Yashica camera, is it an FXD, had one for my 21st, still have it but not used it for at least 25 years.

@totalprecisioncarpenter5922 8 ай бұрын

As a young up n coming building company I do literally everything you say. Most clients are not interested in my detailed quotes just how much it costs at the bottom then usually say they have another “builder” doing it for half the price

@liambrennan783 8 ай бұрын

Well said I'm in the same boat, they just want a cheap price and tbh it's allways the cowboys who get the jobs because they haven't give anything on paperwork with their details on

@TomTomTomTom538 8 ай бұрын

And they'll be begging you to fix it when it goes wrong lol

@liambrennan783 8 ай бұрын

@@TomTomTomTom538 yep 👍

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

As long as your pricing is fair you'll do fine - best of luck! Post a link to your business! (KZfaq will quarantine it but I'll unblock it if I see it). 👍👍

@barrydoherty636 8 ай бұрын

Really useful videos, well done.

@mrnormski9005 8 ай бұрын

Really enjoyed the video, mate, marra, bud, etc, lol. Highlighting the stress, etc. About 30yr ago a work colleague at the time had a complete nervous breakdown dealing with a builder & lost time at work through it. (It was in our neck of the woods), he had done his research, etc, had recommendations, seen previous work, problem was this builder had too many jobs on & used his project as a side job, using leftover materials from other jobs & using people not employed by him, I'll not call the subbies as I don't think contracts were inolved😅

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Sounds like a total nightmare!!

@accesscard3191 6 ай бұрын

Thank you

@Orgakoyd 8 ай бұрын

Having done quite a bit of DIY over the last few years, and given what you said at the beginning of this video, it seems like if a person takes up the bricklaying and carpentry work themselves they could get the most important parts of a renovation/extension done by themselves to the highest standard and save tons of money, at the cost of it taking longer (potentially 2-3x times when starting out).At that point you can hire the more specialist trades like electrician, plumber and plaster to finish things off. Not to mention if you know enough to do the bricklaying and carpentry, you're gonna know all kinds of things about building work which will go a long way in dealing directly with those trades (e.g. when they say something needs to be done x or y way you're not gonna be completely clueless etc). But once you've done it once you've got a set of tools that will last you a lifetime and you will get much faster and efficient the second and third time you do those jobs. Yes you will make mistakes, but no one will be more interested in correcting a mistake on your build before it's too late than you. And with some reading and video research you're going to be 90% of the way there.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Yup, also potentially solves various issues on the HSE side. As long as they have enough good experience of bricklaying and carpentry. That's a big ask though. 👍

@Orgakoyd 8 ай бұрын

@@GosforthHandyman @GosforthHandyman Yes you're right, it's probably more suited to people who've always had a interest in tools and doing things themselves, so ''escalating'' things to a house reno/extension project will come much easier to them than someone who's brand new. The thing I've realized is most often the key is to know what is actually good enough for certain jobs and what needs more finesse, and found that I wasted lots of time worrying about things that didn't really matter (of course only in hindsight!) and didn't pay enough attention to other things. The key is to get to a point where you've got enough tools where every new task isn't a first that requires a new tool (yes this will cost money and time). At that point, with some general principles under your belt and following best practices as much as you can, all of a sudden there's so much you can do and it's very rewarding. But it comes down to if you're willing to go through a steep learning curve that will take some time, with an eye to buy tools for life and do those jobs again in the future, or if you just want the job at hand done and move on without a real interest in being on the tools ever again. I couldn't imagine not doing things myself (not everything of course) but it does take a certain stubbornness and willingness to make mistakes and waste some materials sometimes. Other than safety critical things which you should be 100% confident in, no amount of money is worth injury or death.

@steamsearcher 8 ай бұрын

BODGIT and SCARPER here? Well that's the made up sign I put up outside our home which makes people smile. Just working on our 49 year old kitchen extension and re working the inner wall with what I started with A 150 MM Gap for insulation as it is a 4 by 4 metre room. NOW CURRENT STANDARD. Old bricks polished for the interior with the other wall just stripped out and a double cover of MULTIFOIL. Love your channel. D and L.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! 👍👍

@tlangdon12 8 ай бұрын

I like your idea of finding five builders via four different sources. It challenges you to keep going until you have found enough that you are going to have a choice of builder to engage rather than ending up with one candidate that you feel you must accept. Much safer to have that choice. I always feel for the tradespeople that don't win the contracts, and at the very least you should give them any feedback you can about why they were unsuccessful.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Defo - wise words. Winning 1 in 3 is pretty good. Back in IT days it was more like 1 in 10. 😬👍

@tmwoodhams 7 ай бұрын

I am a sole trader and as you said I am trying to stay under the VAT threshold by acting as a site manager, organising the other trades but not employing them. I use the Trading Standards Buy with confidence Scheme. I have got a lot of jobs out of it from people who have been messed about by less reputable builders. I pay a yearly subscription and they advertise me on their site. I have to jump through a few hoops such as having a DBS check, financial check and customer references. I just wondered what you don't like about it as it has been the best return on investment for advertising? Thanks for the great content, there's a lot of great info for trades people as well customers.

@tlangdon12 8 ай бұрын

One of the most important parts of any contract is the Termination section. This is where the ways in which the contract can be ended by either party are spelt out and also what happens when the contract ends. You should never enter into a contract that you don't know how you can get out of it if you need to. I've seen this so many times in business - the contract is formed and the supplier engaged after they have spent months selling you on their product and services, and you have spent the time evaluating whether they can deliver, and then the implementation goes off the rails. The relationship between customer and supplier goes from a happy, friendly one to acrimonious, usually over a period of about 18 months as increasing levels of management at both customer and supplier meet to try to resolve the issues. So, try to make the contract clear as to what will happen if there are problems, and how final payments are worked out so that it's fair to both parties.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Defo - wise words. 👍

@DJProjectss 8 ай бұрын

Thank you ❤for the shout out 👊

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Very welcome - well deserved!! Your work with resin is exceptional btw - can't imagine the mess I'd be in if I tried that. 😂👍😎

@chrise202 6 ай бұрын

I have never met a single tradesmen in UK that would be good at his job, no matter the price low or high. Always end-up fixing things after them myself. But I've used them for past 8 years only. Wonder how many years more of failures till I find this gold-priced needle in the soggy british haystack

@bluenick62 2 ай бұрын

I know what you mean.

@madman2666 6 ай бұрын

hi we had a disabled grant and the council has 5 builders they use at that time one left leaving only 4. all 3 teneders came in well over the price found out after. the council chose the one that was the lowest and where going to look after the job. a book was drawn up listing every to be used for the tendder and build. the guy in charge did not even have the plans nore the book. i was constanly asking why they where not doing like the book the planner had put togever. i had to boot them of site 3 times. like u i had to finish off. if u speak with the building control they no has good work standeds.this was in 2006.one even took a piss inside the front porch 1/2 built, lent a wheelbarrow on the front of my car. there boss would turn up max every 2 weeks. payment was in four parts after every inspestoin from building control. sorry i am dilexsic

@tlangdon12 8 ай бұрын

The builder's public liability insurance is of very limited value to a homeowner contracting for building services. All it covers is liability for injury to people and damage to other people's property, e.g. if the builder drops a hammer on someone's head, or on the neighbor's roof. Generally it doesn't cover the risk that they damage your property by incompetence, either in the design or in the execution of the job. For this, they need Professional Liability Insurance, so you need to see both policies and certificates of insurance. You might as well also ask to see their Employee Liability insurance at the same time, as this is something they must have if they have any employees or they use subcontractors.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Do you mean Professional Indemnity insurance? I've normally just had a trade policy in the past that covers public liability and damage to property, tools etc. 👍

@tlangdon12 8 ай бұрын

@@GosforthHandyman Yes, Professional Indemnity Insurance.

@PaulNaybour 7 ай бұрын

The insurance is only going to cover the most extremely defects and you will need to go to court to prove your case but its a really good way to check that they are reputable. You should also ask about CDM regulations www.google.com/search?q=cdm+regulation+privare+housed&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari

@Richardincancale 8 ай бұрын

13:50 I was going suggest a Step 0: Getting a detailed specification in place that the quote can be made against. Probably requires an architect to create this unless you’re able to take responsibility for understanding building regs and able to make all plans yourself, including structure, drainage, electrical, and any other specialists

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Yup, I defo think getting the architect drawings done first would have helped a lot with out project. 👍

@k.hussain360 8 ай бұрын

Great tips. Some really obvious things that can be easily overlooked. I don't think any of those channels are based in the North East.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Cheers! Yeah not many North East channels that I know of!

@tlangdon12 8 ай бұрын

I would be happy to be called "Mate", towards the end of a project, because I would always be a very hands-on client, and so I would have been working as hard as the builder to keep the project on track. I expect that we would have become mates by the end of the project.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Yup, I think if everything has gone according to plan that's pretty normal. 👍

@davidiand7 8 ай бұрын

Good information, it’s a real minefield! On a different note I see you have a a Pearl drum kit, do you play in a band, I have a Pearl studio kit in the same colour. 👍🏻

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Nice one! Used to play in many bands but haven't for a while! 👍😁

@davefb 9 күн бұрын

15 years ago. we had our house 'renovated', 6 months of "new roof", all plastering taken down and redone. remodelled kitchen, bathroom new windows etc. . We're still dealing with things they'd either done wrong or shoddy.... Latest is, I've ripped up the floorboard , where I'D TOLD THEM I HAD DAMP ISSUES but all they did was replace the floorboard and put new joists in, because we've got dry rot and actual water under the floor.... ie, fixed the results, but not address the long term problem.... first job? remove the litter they'd left under the floor and remove some rubble... hey ho! Wouldn't mind, but iirc they weren't the cheapest quote, theyd been the recommended ones... Watching the video of course, because I think we're going to need a new floor and long term fix for the damp :/ so will have to deal with more builders .. ..

@PaulNaybour 7 ай бұрын

I am a professional project manager, not specialising in house building, and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of finding a competent architect to design the plan, oversee procurement, and manage the build and contract. Many might consider this expensive as it could add about 10% to the cost, but it is essential for ensuring that the builder remains diligent. It is advisable to specify every detail in the design, including the type of flooring finish, light fittings, and other finishes. Have the architect prepare a detailed specification and pricing schedule. It's important to agree on a proper JCT contract with liquidated damages; even a few hundred pounds per week can keep the builder focused. A pre-contract meeting to fully define the scope will give you a clear understanding of the builder’s capabilities. Most importantly, once the contract is signed, avoid making changes and reserve some funds for potential risks.

@GosforthHandyman 7 ай бұрын

Totally agree, sadly in the domestic market the above is almost impossible to find. 😥

@johnmcc1977 8 ай бұрын

Great video. An awful of sharks out there and builders who just can’t project manage their way out of bed despite being good trades persons

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Sometimes they can be amazing trades but just aren't cut out for the business side. Shame!

@vladimirzaika3594 3 ай бұрын

It is a great job you have done. Can I ask something? It would really help me if you tell what kind of documents/licenses required to do the job myself? I want to buy and fix house myself because but as foreigner i have no clue about paperwork, where should i start?

@highpath4776 8 ай бұрын

Your " Bricklayer / Project Manager " MIGHT be part VAT unrelated, in that the Brickwork / structural is through a company which is VAT reg , and the PM work is as individual hopefully below threshold for reg. Check in this case each have insurance cover. To some extent HMRC take a dim view of splitting work and like to take the VAT registereness as a whole but I think it can normally be distinguished. I suppose it depends would a Bricklayer and PM make an average of £400 a day from private contracts, I would imagine it could be likely.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

The bricklaying for our build was only £3k. Even if he charged £10k to manage the whole build with 8 jobs per year he'd still be under the £85k. That was me labouring though. 🤔

@johnavery15 8 ай бұрын

You pinched the music from B&P Paving! I love that tune.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Just KZfaq royalty free stuff. 👍😁

@justincase7471 8 ай бұрын

In the KZfaq Studio Audio Library, the tune is Indecision by Dyalla. You can download the tune from there if you want to listen to it more often.

@johnavery15 8 ай бұрын

@@justincase7471 B&P Paving have the links in their videos so I downloaded them and plan to use them myself. Thanks for the information though ✅ 👍

@TheMcLaughlincrew 4 ай бұрын

I’ve used my builder twice, one for a small job and that was okay, one was for a bigger electrical job and the guy had 50+ positive reviews but was an absolute nightmare, so bad in fact that I’ll only use people recommended to me by people I know in future

@MrFrobbo 2 ай бұрын

Baring in mind architects are chartered (professional qualifications) wouldn't you ask them for builder recomendations as they're in the game? Having been friends with one, they knew exactly who to use and for what, including who to use for work quality vs price targets.

@johnwright5086 6 ай бұрын

Well Andy ime a builder and on your studio project you said you had trouble with concreting the footings and b w up to d p c so why didn't you get in touch with building controll ware I do all my work in the gwent area building control is involved from footings to putting the roof on so I am surprised you never mentioned building inspector

@GosforthHandyman 6 ай бұрын

Studio didn't need building control sign-off - too small. 👍

@Peter_Vidgeon 7 ай бұрын

I've just watched your previous video explaining why you finally fired your builder and was pleasantly surprised by your mentioning the use of 'mate' for a customer in this video. When I initially saw the correspondence with the builder using the 'mate' epithet, I immediately bridled at the unprofessionalism. Being called mate to your face is one thing, but to actually use it in the correspondence is completely out of order in my opinion. That would have been the first red flag for me. Thank you for your most informative videos and best of luck for the future.

@bobby5634 8 ай бұрын

I'd be interested to know when the builder gives them the cost of 60k plus vat how many are happy to want to pay that extra 20%! I can guarentee alot of the builders work will be cash!

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Becoming increasingly difficult to deal in cash these days! 😭

@BillsCountrysideAdventures 8 ай бұрын

Most of the time people need a site manager full time. But refuse to pay. Why do big builders have site managers. When I see your video on that skip jippo, first thing is no. 1 rule of any site, keep it tidy every time. Tidy site is a safe site.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Defo! It killed us seeing the site being run like that. 😭

@bobstirling6885 6 ай бұрын

Unfortunately anyone can set up a limited company in a few minutes, it doesn't mean they are bona fide - the crafty ones have numerous companies and jump from one to another. Bottom line is word of mouth and a list of finished jobs you can inspect. Labour-only one man band can easily operate under the VAT threshold if they allow customers to buy materials, so don't disregard out of hand as a lot of excellent builders work this way. I have done a number of renovation projects using my own choice of architect, brickie, electrician, plumber, plasterer, etc - but you do need to be able to project manage the overall job. Building regs are the responsibility of the house owner and each trade should have their own insurances to cover their responsibilities, your household insurance will give certain liability insurance for you but will expect you to ensure H&S compliance with each contractor hired.

@leegr3732 12 күн бұрын

Had many builders out for our double extension, took 5 years to find a builder and was by word of mouth, couldn’t care less if he swears, calls me mate, whatever, so long as he turns up and is doing a good job who cares, let them get on with it, near the end of the build, only pay in cash, am I paying vat, hell no it’s expensive enough

@alangordon3283 8 ай бұрын

Underrated bods are the labourers .

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Too right! Massively undervalued on most sites. 👍

@BobsieWobsie 8 ай бұрын

Another reason recommendations aren’t always the best option - older relatives love to recommend their mate down the pub cos theyre cheap, but just because they’re cheap and your grandads mate doesnt mean they do the best job..

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Totally! I've had some terrible recommendations over the years. 😬

@roberthardy2013 8 ай бұрын

What about us customers who also aren’t on any social media ?

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Firstly, very wise move 😁👍. Get someone else to do a quick check for you... and stay off it, it's awful. 😂

@kennethbarr6842 7 ай бұрын

HI Thanks WE HAVE A NEW TRANING FORMAM FOR MATURE APPLICANTS HMU?

@impamiizgraa 3 ай бұрын

On the last point about SoMe (social media) presence and content-making, you will be quoted what I call the SoMe premium. I asked a relatively new builder with 50k followers on KZfaq for a quote for a project; was given a quote £80k higher than one without who has been established in the area for 60 years. Let's remember the only content that makes it onto the channel is curated to show their work in the best light. Really do not recommend using this as a measure, though I understand your bias here, but good rest of the video.

@frankryan2505 7 ай бұрын

From my experience running a legit company, insurance policy No is the only thing that matters. They could have doctored a certificate from 5 years ago but unless you chase up the number you will be none the wiser.

@lukerazzerrudd 4 ай бұрын

See this why you want find a builder, to do the job to many hoops to jump throw of little or no money. If every build hit this guys tick list. I would expect him to charge double. Not all builder are bad. And most do a good job. This guy makes it sound easy. I would not even work for this guy. Even low we have a hi finish and an excellent rep on check a trade. This would wind me up. Just draw up a contract with solicitor see work carried out from other customers and have a good understanding that no job gos 100% to plane.

@wbrnnr 8 ай бұрын

There is such a shortage of tradespeople and the average quality of work is, ahem, below average, yet usually accepted anyway - there is really no need for builders to put any efforts - most will be busy most of the time anyway. High prices and waiting times are just cherries on top (yes, even in the supposed “cost of living crisis” era we live in).

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

It's going to get a lot worse. 😬

@fatgrubman645 7 ай бұрын

Fair play for giving them the benefit of the doubt but what that guy did is definitely illegal.

@richardgregory4640 8 ай бұрын

I'm pretty sure that if you just hire a builder as a 'consultant' and engage all the trades directly then you become responsible for all matters health & safety. I'm not sure I'd want to do that just to save a bit of VAT.

@samnichols4361 8 ай бұрын

The PM's role would be to check on all relevant paperwork as long as the client asks for it and wouldn't engage contractors who don't have relevant insurances.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

I think you could assign that builder to be the principle contractor but yes, defo comes with its own risks.

@PaulNaybour 7 ай бұрын

Under CDM if you employ a Project Manager then they are the “Principal contractor” and may take on the role of the client. It a legal requirement best agreed in writing and in the case of an accident you don't want any ambiguity on who was accountable. Another good reason to employ an Archtect project manage the work. www.google.com/search?q=cdm+regulation+privare+housed&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari

@gittinsoutdooradventures5267 7 ай бұрын

hindsight Is a wonderful thing. In Hindsight would you have gone with the cheapest builder? In Hindsight would you have paid 5 grand before that much work had been done? Most builders are not cowboys but I feel you've gone for the cheapest quote?

@lizdevereau4569 8 ай бұрын

What's the general view when the builder requests a deposit for materials? I get the impression this is possibly a red flag? PS Really enjoy your content - it's very useful.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Cheers! I personally think that's a cost the builder should absorb, covered by the first staged payment. Having said that I understand why it's increasingly difficult for builders since merchants are reluctant to give credit due to being screwed over by so many cowboys. Tricky!

@rattylol 8 ай бұрын

Avoid calling them " Luv " also please

@NicholaisoN 8 ай бұрын

Why? It is a "northern" term of endearment

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

I like being called Love! But again it's very nuanced. 😬

@tonyalways7174 4 ай бұрын

The best way to find a good builder in UK is to go to Germany or Czech and get one there.

@alanjohnson7374 8 ай бұрын

So i need to be a builder to know if im hiring a good builder. What happend to the world sigh.

@ksly7426 8 ай бұрын

26:00 your last part is on the money that’s what my dad and I do. We ordered materials then the customer pays the bill saves them money using our contact at building suppliers. How about talking about money on your next episode to see if where on the same page

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Cheers! Have you seem my costs vid?

@ksly7426 8 ай бұрын

@@GosforthHandyman could you tag it thanks

@GosforthHandyman 7 ай бұрын

Here you go: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z66Wdbye3diZoWg.html

@MG-nm9gt 8 ай бұрын

Remember all, it is you that is ultimately responsible for the built. So do ya checks. New building enforcement regulations have come into play that can stop construction if works are not compliant as well issuing compliance notices that can seriously interupt your proposed completion date. You and your builder will be taken to court for unsafe and non compliant building work.

@vkman34 8 ай бұрын

Definitely don't rely on a builder or tradesperson to know the building regs. Few roofers know that you must notify building control if you are replacing more than 25% of the total roof area on the house, or for a flat roof if you're changing from cold roof to warm roof.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Might make a vid about the new regs at some point - really struggling to get my head around it!

@pedanticsmith5613 8 ай бұрын

Cash or cheque?

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Bye bye cash! 😭😭

@andyc972 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Andy, for more useful guidance on something that can be a minefield, we can learn from your painful experience ! More red flags than a Chinese military parade ! 😉🚩

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Cheers!! 😂

@jackwardley3626 8 ай бұрын

Don't go for the cheapest thats were people go wrong if you get 3 prices and 2 of them are similar and the 3rd is far cheaper don't go for the that one cause you can't expect good work from a firm doing the work for much less than market price you have to be fair. The 3rd firm might be good and thy have probably gone round pricing jobs the same as the other 2 but kept getting rejected cause people want cheap and good no such thing and theyll price it low and start rushing jobs to save their business. Its cowboy customers that create so called cowboy tradesmen through wanting good work done for cheap which again isn't fair and doesn't exist. If you have tradesmen going around doing good work for cheap then all the tradesmen would out of business.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Our over-garage extension 10 years ago was £28k incl. underpinning. They were exceptional. 👍

@stuartmolyneux64 8 ай бұрын

I need a good carpenter this winter to hang half a dozen fire doors & supply/fit 2 floors worth of handrails, balustrades, spindles etc. ULEZ and high house prices has caused a bit of an exodus of good chippies in London. All joiners I have spoken to prefer to build stuff in a workshop instead of working inside peoples homes. Hanging a door is far, far beyond my basic carpentry skills. I need a real carpenter.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

I don't know any carpenters who like doing fire doors - I hate the things. 😂

@BadHorsie1 8 ай бұрын

Good builders are like what?

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

😂

@MrBez007 8 ай бұрын

Only way to find a good builder is word of mouth. A good builder will be known in your area and his work will be on show for people to see.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Trouble is the well known ones are booked up forever.

@MrBez007 8 ай бұрын

@@GosforthHandyman i know its frustrating but its worth waiting. I always have a year to 18 months booked in. Might sound a long time but usually your spending your life savings on an extension, or going to be paying it of mortgage for a long time. Say you wait a year or so for a good builder then have a stress free build for 6 months. Compare this to waiting a month for who ever can start first than having years of stress ahead with all the problems they create. Not saying that was the case with yourself but it certainly is with most people who are victims of bad builders.

@hogthrob 8 ай бұрын

Have you bought me a beer? No? Then you're not my mate.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Technically they did bring beer... just not for me. 😭😂

@ricos1497 8 ай бұрын

I could talk for hours about mate.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

😂😂

@ZachAsaD 7 ай бұрын

Calling you mate and typing the way he did is always a red flag for me

@johnboyginger 8 ай бұрын

First alarm bell - they rock up in a rust bucket van full of chaos and crap. No professionalism, no pride, no way they’re touching my property.

@CaryInVictoria 8 ай бұрын

Second bell: soon after starting work they realize they've forgotten some building material or part, so they send someone to get it.

@kristoffscuba5466 8 ай бұрын

Third bell: they want money immediately upon agreeing the build, weeks before they are even due to start on your property. That money is gonna be used to buy materials on other peoples jobs.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Would agree with all those. Ours actually had decent vehicles!

@CaryInVictoria 8 ай бұрын

@@GosforthHandyman We recently hired a tiler who did a great job. He drove a beat-up Mercury pickup. (The Mercury M-Series pickup was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company from 1947 to 1968, It was sold mainly in Canada as a rebadged Ford F-Series pickup.)

@simonmartin5048 8 ай бұрын

anybody need a builder in Birmingham

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Post a link!

@Dazza19746 8 ай бұрын

Your thumbnail is my business card! It should go both ways but, we should be able to get reviews on clients! I vet all my customers on ‘Vibe’ Is he an arsehle? Is she a bitch? Are they both nuts? Will they pay? Are they professional complainers ? It’s a two way street mate 👍🏻

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

You're not wrong there! Someone set up a site to review clients a while ago - not sure what happened to it? I'd have one or two to add. 😂👍

@Dazza19746 8 ай бұрын

@@GosforthHandyman me too! But literally less than a handful, so either I’m great at picking it up prior to engaging or there is a lot more decent folks than C words out there 👍🏻 Enjoy the weekend Andy 👍🏻

@stewartmcardle8149 8 ай бұрын

Swearing and loud music on site and being called "mate" (you're their customer) are all detestable!

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

👍

@AJ-ds5gf 8 ай бұрын

the real 'how to find a good builder' is only 3 steps: step 1: don't be in a desperate situation step 2: don't be in a desperate situation step 3: see above steps. Most poeple know what you've mentiond in the video but take short cuts or ignore the red flags because they're in a desperate situation.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Good luck just following those steps! 👍😁

@robertwillis9988 8 ай бұрын

You were saying other day that you dont wish to bad mouth the builder in question,yet you clearly show a 'cowboy' builder in your thumbnail. Id say thats pretty much trashing them,right there😂

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Said I wouldn't name & shame. I think they bad-mouthed themselves with the standard of their work! 😂

@user-qk3ll2rq8s 8 ай бұрын

Hello thx for your video I'm from north Africa I live in resmount I'm tourist if you need builder macon of handly I'm free don't have any problems with location. Thank you

@mateuszukasiak7675 7 ай бұрын

Good but too long

@EM-fh2tx 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for mentioning the swearing! Drop a brick on your toe & I'll cheerfully give you a pass; but when curses are used in lieu of punctuation it starts to sound like abuse.

@GosforthHandyman 8 ай бұрын

Defo!