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SKETCH3D
United Kingdom
80 Posts |
 Posted - 09/15/2009 : 08:32:25
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Hi Tommy,
Unseen sewer pipes are some of the many unforeseen extra expenses often met on building projects. The water authority will have their standard fees. It may end up costing you more if you don't go through the right procedures.
If your extension is close to the main sewer then consideration needs to be given to the loadings being passed down to the pipe.
Is the invert level of the pipe lower than the footing of the extension? If so then you really should also be considering the services of a structural engineer for the suitable design of a deep footing.
Stick with it. I know you probably feel aggrieved that you have even more fees to pay, but consider the bigger picture.
Darren Bell (MCIAT)
http://www.sketch3d.co.uk |
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tommy10
United Kingdom
38 Posts |
Posted - 12/31/2009 : 13:13:42
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Hello
I am now at the stage when I need to employ a builder to work on my extension. Unfortunately I don't have any recommendations from friends and family
I am planning to use the FMB and Trustmark websites to find a builder for my job.
Please advise if I should stick to local builders in my area or should I venture out further. Also is it always best to go with a builder that offer a warranty on the work?
This is the daunting stage of the process finding the right company for the job.
tommy10 |
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tommy10
United Kingdom
38 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2010 : 12:31:41
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Hello
Please advise if produced a work specifiaction document when you were searching for a buider. I am not sure how detailed the docuemnt should be.
Thanks
tommy10 |
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kev-kjm
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2010 : 12:33:22
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I would always advise to provide a detailed spec of the works for the builder to work to.
It saves heartache later on when something is built incorrectly due to a missunderstanding.
As the old saying goes "assume nothing - All assume does is make an ass out of u and me"
In answer to your previous post about how to go about choosing a builder i would always say choose a local builder as i am a firm believer in supporting your local tradesmen and services because without support they will all be gone and we will all be stuck employing expensive national building companies with huge advertising bills to pay for.
Always ask a builder for references and ask if it would be possible to show them a previous similar project. In my line of work i know a lot of builders and not one of them would say no to this request.
KJM Design & Planning Services
www.kjm-design.co.uk |
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tommy10
United Kingdom
38 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2010 : 01:17:57
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With regards to builders and viewing their previous work. I have met with buiders who I have found on the FMB and Trustmark website. They are members of EBC,ConstructionLine and CHAS. When I have asked to view previous jobs they have advised that their prevous clients are willing to give refrences but wouldn't be keen to allow me to view the job. Do you think I should dismiss these builders if I cannot view previous work. As every website I have read advises you see their work. As anyone on this site used a builder wihtout veiwing there work?
Also has anyone employed a buider via mybuilder or rated people website?
tommy10 |
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crystalclear
United Kingdom
28 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2010 : 09:11:11
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quote:
Do you think I should dismiss these builders if I cannot view previous work
Yes they should be proud to show you their work, I take photos and get testimonials from customers to show prospective new clients but still give customers the opportunity to go and see the work I have completed and talk to my previous customers
The only time we don't give out details of a customer is when we have completed work but they have requested they don't want anyone to contact them or call round at the house which I have to respect
I can't speak for the builders actions who you have asked to quote for your work but it would seem they have got something to hide if they won't allow you to see any of the work they have completed
Crystalclear
Block Paving Driveways and Extensions
http://www.crystalclearideas.co.uk/ |
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tommy10
United Kingdom
38 Posts |
Posted - 03/09/2010 : 14:10:06
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I have had a few builders come around to give me a quote for my extension. I have received one quote still awaiting the others. This is both nerve raking and exciting stuff. I cant wait to get them all in to compare.
Can anyone advise on the fees or how much I will be likely to be paying out on serving my neighbours a party wall agreement? When I consulted them about my extension they had no objection. I have read all the relevant documents but wanted to get an idea on how much it could cost.
tommy10 |
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Polstar
United Kingdom
75 Posts |
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tommy10
United Kingdom
38 Posts |
Posted - 03/15/2010 : 13:10:12
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Thanks for the information, for my kitchen extension would this be a Party Structure Notice?
I have spoken to my neighbours and they have no objections to the building work. There is a paragraph in the example letter if they do not confirm in writing that they are content for the works to go ahead we will be in dispute and we would have to appoint a Surveyor. Please advise do I need to appoint a Surveyor to put their name on the notice?
tommy10 |
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NikMak
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2010 : 18:18:29
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Tommy 10
I too live in Bromley and am looking for a decent builder to obtain quotes from for an extension.
Would be interested in knowing how you get on, I've not been massively successful to date.
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Nickam
United Kingdom
31 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2010 : 12:57:53
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quote:
Originally posted by tommy10
Thanks for the information, for my kitchen extension would this be a Party Structure Notice?
I have spoken to my neighbours and they have no objections to the building work. There is a paragraph in the example letter if they do not confirm in writing that they are content for the works to go ahead we will be in dispute and we would have to appoint a Surveyor. Please advise do I need to appoint a Surveyor to put their name on the notice?
tommy10
Hi Tommy,
It sounds like your extension wall requires you to do a Party Wall Notice but this is dependant on whether your neighbours are also joining to it (difficult to say without more details). However, if it just a case of the foundations of your new extension wall going deeper than their existing foundations then you will need to issue a Party Structure Notice. It's best to do this amicably with your neighbour and obtain all agreements in writing. I don't wish to frighten you but I've had cases of disputes where a neighbour has got a court injunction to stop the work. Two surveyors then had to be employed to solve the dispute and all at the cost of my client.
Nick
http://buildingplans.web.officelive.com |
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tommy10
United Kingdom
38 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2010 : 15:51:38
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Hi
I sent out mails to builders I found in my area on the FMB and Trustmark websites.
In total I think there were 14 companies. I did get a response back from two saying they didnt cover my area. I received responses and have met with 5 so far and received one quote to date.
I am still waiting for quotes from the other four. One builder has had my plans for a month and no quote. I have ruled them out. The rest have said in a couple of weeks hopefully I will hear something soon. The process is very slow I thought I would have builders falling at my feet to do the job. I will give it until the end of the month then start my search again.
tommy10 |
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tommy10
United Kingdom
38 Posts |
Posted - 04/19/2010 : 11:56:26
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I have now received three quotes from builders. Please advise if I am allowed to get references and go and see all three of their works before I appoint one.
I wanted to ensure if I go and see a builders work it doesn't give them any rights if I don't appoint them.
tommy10 |
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Nickam
United Kingdom
31 Posts |
Posted - 04/20/2010 : 11:16:54
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Shouldn't be a problem unless you indicate either in writing or verbally that they have the contract, even then, as long as they haven't purchased any materials you should be OK. It's only reasonable for you to want to see any work they've completed. Also ask if you can speak to those they have worked for as the relationship that they have had with their clients is also a good indication of how you may get on with them personally. Do remember though, that there are also difficult clients who are not easy to get on with.
Regards,
Nick
Nick
http://buildingplans.web.officelive.com |
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tommy10
United Kingdom
38 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2010 : 13:01:02
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I have now received 4 quotes for my extension: £23,619, £29,175.25, £38,504.75, £50, 623.70
My extension will measure approx. 5.4x3.5m (19 sq.m approx.) this includes the following works:
Structure
Laying the ground work and the foundations
Building the walls
Install RSJ
Pitched Roof
Insulation and Damp proofing
Build cloakroom
Plastering
Plumbing
Electrics
Painting
Tiling
Interior
Installing toilet and basin
2 Velux windows
Garden window (recycle existing windows)
Patio/sliding doors
Installing new boiler
Under floor heating
Lay wooden floors
Install fitted kitchen and appliances
Please can you advice if these quotes are reasonable for the London area. I have received references and will be visiting previous clients to view the builders works. Just need some reassure and guidance. Also should the builder provide me with some form of certificate to prove he has public and employer liability insurance
tommy10 |
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Intial Vist with an Architect
