Recommendation and advice on a constractor/ builder please Post Reply

[Cambell2]

Hello,
We are doing alterations and refurbish work in our flat. We already have the architect but we had some troubles on founding the contractor/ builder.
Our Architect suggested us Jezz Chana from Gavlan construction.
We checked the company and apparently this company is one month old. He apparently had worked as freelance constructer for years.
We asked him for some reference of his work but all his work is outside London. He said that he will send us some pictures of his work.
He may do a great work but the fact that I don't have personal reference of his work and his company being brand new, it make me nervous.
Have anyone had any worked done by Jezz Chana or heard anything about him?
what shall we do? go with this constructer that we don't know much about him or get a new one?
Any advice will be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Cambel

[olive]

Through my bitter personal experience, I wouldn’t take on any builder unless I have personal references from clients and see the work with my own eyes. The temptation is always to rush in and get the job over with, but far better to take your time and do it right the first time.
A new "Consumer Right Bill" is currently making its passage through Parliament http://discuss.bis.gov.uk/consumerrightsbill/. We can’t know when it will come into effect but it’s meant to improve consumer rights when you purchase goods/services. If you can wait for the bill to come into effect, it should put you in a stronger position for any contingency.

[seekscustomerservice]

Not what you are after but mine is a "don't use": Building and Handyman, Battersea Rise. They talk a good talk before they start but my experience this Summer with them was stressful and frustrating. A catalogue of unexplained delays, missed deadlines, disorganisation, mistakes but no apologies, failure to communicate and all round lack of customer service.

[jamie @ dRAW]

Hi Cambel,

How long have your architects been around for? If they're recommending him he should be good as they're trusting their reputation with him as well. If you're unsure though you should definitely get a few quotes from different contractors. It's a bit of a catch 22 because he could be excellent but it doesn't seem like he has much to build that case.

I can pass on some of our trusted contractors contact details that we work with if you'd like to get a quote from them or simply clear up any concerns you may have.

Let me know and I'll get them over to you.

Kind Regards
Jamie

[APT]

Dear Cambel,

If you would like the reassurance of seeing some Wandsworth work done by a Wandsworth builder, contact Yvonne our secretary here at APT Renovation and we will happy to show you some of our local work.

http://www.aptrenovation.co.uk/

All the best with your upcoming property project.