Cowboy Builders

[Blue_eyes]

That is bollocks, you should put some money up front customers rip off tradesmen just as much the other way round.

Lol, if you dont trust somebody then dont do their work.

 

[Bill Walker]

That is bollocks, you should put some money up front customers rip off tradesmen just as much the other way round.

Top tradies don't ask for money up front. I've built 3 houses and the guys I used never asked for money until I was happy with the work.
If they did ask for money they didn't get the job.

 

[Scottyboi]

Lol, if you dont trust somebody then dont do their work.

You trust someone until you don't, know plenty of horror stories from friends being ripped off or customers blackmailing for extras to be done or no payment whatsoever. People can be nice as pie and change once they get what they want.

The building trade needs a better system that protects both the customer and the tradesmen as its a free for all.

 

[Scottyboi]

Top tradies don't ask for money up front. I've built 3 houses and the guys I used never asked for money until I was happy with the work.
If they did ask for money they didn't get the job.

That's funny because Robin Clevett one of the best carpenters is the country makes sure he is paid weekly when on a big job.

 

[Bobby the blue]

Anybody with experience of the roofing trade who knows the tell tail signs to look out for these cowboy firms?

When he turns up wearing a Stetson and riding a horse I reckon these are some of the Biggest tell tail signs.

 

[Bill Walker]

That's funny because Robin Clevett one of the best carpenters is the country makes sure he is paid weekly when on a big job.

Ohh they get progress payments mate, just not money up front for "materials".

 

[Blue_eyes]

That's funny because Robin Clevett one of the best carpenters is the country makes sure he is paid weekly when on a big job.

You mean interim payments, thats fine, as highlighted in my original post.

Dont forget, this thread is dealing with the clients side of things.

Some customers can be as bad, but thats not the issue here.

 

[J.G.Blue.]

I was a self employed builder for over 40 years & have never asked for money up front, fair enough I only took on smaller jobs but anyone asking for money up front would worry me straight away,
As for the original poster, try and get genuine recomendations, word of mouth etc.

 

[EnzoMCFC]

Got some fascias these builders. Beware

 

[Mr Kobayashi]

If he turns up wearing a stetson and asks to keep cattle in your yard.

 

[Bluesince1979]

I only ever use recommends. Any builders having to advertise are doing something wrong. If they arent busy with repeat/recommendations then something is amiss

 

[SiMCFC]

Only ever use someone recommended, even to the point of knocking on a neighbour's door if you like the look of work they have had done if you don't know anyone locally, any 'builder' who tries to tell you they need money up front for materials is most likely bullshitting you as well as they should have multiple trade accounts with most builders merchants unless they are a bad payer! I'd always be happy to pay for materials once they are in or on my property, there is no need unless they are trying to get materials on the cheap from a mate. Push them for a schedule of work with phased payments as well, I asked for one once and the lad didn't understand what I was asking for... He didn't get the job.

 

[Johnny Mars Bar]

It’s a minefield isn’t it.

Just yesterday I was in the pub and two builder lads on the table next to me were boasting about how they bodged a job on someone’s flat because they wanted to clock off, go out and “get the bags in”. Then wouldn’t stop waffling on about who was the most fucked and how great it was that they were out til 6am and now back in the pub etc.

Wouldn’t want lazy twats like that working on my house.

 

[Looby blue]

If in doubt, don't.

 

[idahoblues]

Their hard hats look like this

 

[Blue Mist]

OP when the sad day comes you will inherit the house so I would not advise torching it. Bricking the windows however.....

 

[lazerblue]

If they're getting scammed I don't want it to get as far as them actually getting on the job

Can't find a business address anywhere
Can't find any reviews anywhere
Same name as a company in Surrey and even the contact (John) is the same
They said they can start next Tuesday. Most builders are booked up for months

thats all the evidence you need

 

[malg]

As someone who has been a self employed tradesman for forty years next year, I would recommend that you find someone who....

has been recommended either by a friend/family member or another tradesperson whom you trust.

someone who is fairly local and easily contactable.

someone who comes across as intelligent and respectful.

someone who has a waiting list and cant start tommorow.

someone who is happy to be paid on completion of work, giving money up front is a massive nono.

Interim payments are ok for bigger jobs, but being able to withhold payment if you are not happy is your insurance.

Remember, anyone with any business integrity will have the means to supply materials/hire costs etc before taking payment from clients.

If you are not happy with someone before work commences then dont use them.

There are lots of genuine and skilled tradespeople out there who will take the necessary care and commitment to ensure your work is completed properly.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Do you know any roofers.......??

 

[Blue_eyes]

Do you know any roofers.......??

Yes, local to here(south cheshire).

 

[BlueMoonday]

Had a nightmare with builders recently. They didn’t bother cleaning up after a job and tried leaving trash in the garden and drove off, I had to run out and stop them. The sales woman was a right chav and was quite rude when I suggested they were taking the piss with taking ages to finish the job and sending people round at night.