Builder accreditation... advice

[Clapham Saint]

In short, we are thinking about getting our loft converted to get an extra bedroom and an ensuite.

 

We have had four quotes, all of which have come out roughly the same.

 

Now, having spoken to the company that we currently prefer I have received some references, which I will check, however are there any accreditations that I should be expecting them to have?

 

When I have spoken to them over the phone they said that they used to be members of the "association of master craftsmen" (or something very similar) but stoped as nobody every checked their work and they considered it a waste of money. This imeadiately makes me nervous.

 

Is there anybody on here who can advise? Assuming that the references check out (and I will check all of them by going round etc), am I being overly @n al or just sensiby cautious.

 

Can any builders on here give an opinion?

 

Thanks,

 

CS

[Dimond Geezer]

The Federation of Master Builders is usually a good port of call.

[Special K]

Depends on the size of the company you have gone to. If they are small firms you may find they have no accreditations (never needed to get them). As post above FMB is a good start, but doesn't mean they are bad if they don't have it. Check they have current E&P Liability insurance and if you are nervous, consider using a JCT homeowners contract (check out RIBA bookshop online - about ten quid i think). As always check they use gas engineers that are GasSafe registered (if you need it) and best to check they use NIC/EIC qualified sparkies too, especially when working in "wet" areas.

 

Also, check out websites like check-a-trade (if it cvers your area) which is a good indicator of whether they are conscientious.

[Gemmel]

As I understand it, the guild of mastercraftsmen and builders etc, mean nothing at all, if you pay your subscription anyone can join

Edited 18 May, 2012 by Gemmel

[buctootim]

When I have spoken to them over the phone they said that they used to be members of the "association of master craftsmen" (or something very similar) but stoped as nobody every checked their work and they considered it a waste of money. This imeadiately makes me nervous.

 

I don't think it should make you nervous - they're being honest. As another poster said the 'master builder' thing is just a marketing ploy - you pay your subs and can use the badge. Unlike most European countries there isnt any credible measure of work quality or standards in the UK.

 

Try and pick the build specification apart a little. The finished build shouldn't just look good but keep you warm, let plenty of light in and not mean you can hear every flush of the toilet and footsep throughtout the house.

 

Generally shoddy builders will have specified cheap windows, low standards of insulation etc so you can get some idea of their attitude from their plans. What U value have the windows got (at most 1.8 and the lower the better) and where will they source them? For a solid build and good sound insulation stud walls should ideally use 4x2 timber rather than 3x2, plasterboard should be at least 12.5mm (ideally use acoustic board) and the internal stud walls need to be filled with acoustic insulation. What thickness and what type of thermal insulation in the roof will be used (isocyanate is best)? What will they do to strengthen the loft floor (lofts arent built as strong as normal floors in houses); how and where are they going to route the water and soil pipes to /from the bathroom etc (you dont want a boxed in poop pipe appearing in one of the bedrooms underneath for example) .

Edited 18 May, 2012 by buctootim

[Dimond Geezer]

The above post is correct, to a point. To do what the OP wants he will need to get Planning & Building Reg approval. There are 2 ways to achieve Building Regs, have plans drawn, specifying all the insulation, structural sizes etc, or have the work approved by the BCO as it proceeds.

Having plans prepared and approved is usually the best way, everything is specified & approved before anyone sets foot on site. You (the client) can specify insulation thickness etc, more onerous U-values, plasterboard type etc, as long as it meets with the minimum statutory targets required. Personally I would never let a builder loose without getting agreed/approved plans, or expect him to design the job as he proceeds.

[Special K]

The above post is correct, to a point. To do what the OP wants he will need to get Planning & Building Reg approval. There are 2 ways to achieve Building Regs, have plans drawn, specifying all the insulation, structural sizes etc, or have the work approved by the BCO as it proceeds.

Having plans prepared and approved is usually the best way, everything is specified & approved before anyone sets foot on site. You (the client) can specify insulation thickness etc, more onerous U-values, plasterboard type etc, as long as it meets with the minimum statutory targets required. Personally I would never let a builder loose without getting agreed/approved plans, or expect him to design the job as he proceeds.

 

Amen to that brother. Asking for trouble.