Builder: What do I check with a builder before he starts the job?

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oulu

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What do I check with a builder before he starts the job, I am getting extra room at back of house and also taking down partition wall between dining room and kitchen to have an open plan kitchen, room at back will be 16 x 9 ft with an A roof, waiting for quote what should I expect tp pay, He said if it is cash in hand then it will be cheaper let me know what you think, thanks
 
Re: Builder

I'll put my finger in the air (and expect to get it shot down) and say that (if you're in Dublin) i'd guestimate on paying somewhere in €220-€230 per sq. foot mark for extension plus a little extra for the demolition and making good of the existing room - you could be talking €30 - €35k

....but i await responses to tell me i'm way off the mark .....
 
Re: Builder

The more quotes/advice from builders the better. Get a few quotes from the guys mentioned here
 
Re: Builder

I'm an engineer and spend a lot of time checking construction work.

Best bit of advice I can offer:

1. Go and see more than one job they have done before and talk to the previous client. Ask about duration, additional costs and if they have had any problems since.

2. Make sure and get at least 3 quotes but dont automatically go with the cheapest. It is possible that the cheapest will run out of money before the job is finished.

3. Get an engineer or architect to carry out periodic inspection and to provide a cert of compliance with the building regs (this is a must if you want to sell your house in the future). This is your one and only safe guard regarding quality!!!!!

4. Only agree to pay in stages and a stage behind i.e. first payment after foundations and ground slab are poured. Next after walls built etc. For this type of job 4 stages is normal. Remember, if the builder cant work under these terms it probably means it is an amature outfit without an account at a decent builders providers.

Finally, insist on a 5% retention fee. He only gets this 3-6months after finishing. This ensures that he comes back to fix any minor problems, if not you can afford to get them done elsewhere.

Best of luck!!!
 
Re: Builder

oulu said:
He said if it is cash in hand then it will be cheaper let me know what you think, thanks
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DOn't you have any concerns about conspiring to evade tax?
 
Re: Builder

You are going to spend several thousand €uros.That will increase the value of your house.That will increase the insurance value.But without a receipt(guarantee!) from the builder resp. without the o.k. of an engineer you might be paying increased insurance premia without beeing covered .Black labour is cheap to the eye 'till it is black.
 
Re: Builder

oulu said:
Only concern been caught lol
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Strange - seeing people spending days on trolleys in A&E depts due to underfunding and seeing school roofs collapsing due to underfunding doesn't make me lol.
 
Re: Builder

Rainyday in this world you look after number one, because no one alse will, May this be the end of it, I want advice on buliding not another Political Correct person who forgets the plumber/Sparks that they paid cash to when doing a job for them or themselves doing a job as a nixer and not paying taxes , PC people dont want to remember that do they, You should check out rollercoaster.ie more your cup of tea, cheers
 
Re: Builder

Then you better check somewhere else,oulu.Maybe under "mountjoy" you'll find what you are looking for.Sure you have got the number? Try the golden pages or google....
 
Re: Builder

Heinbloed you should join your brother on rollercoaster.ie, People in Glass houses and all that, You must be so pure and boring
 
Re: Builder

Posts 3, 4 & 8 are good

All the rest seem to come from people who got out of the wrong side of the bed.

Is AAM becoming a place for grumpy gits to meet ?
 
Re: Builder

oulu said:
Rainyday in this world you look after number one, because no one alse will, May this be the end of it, I want advice on buliding not another Political Correct person who forgets the plumber/Sparks that they paid cash to when doing a job for them or themselves doing a job as a nixer and not paying taxes , PC people dont want to remember that do they, You should check out rollercoaster.ie more your cup of tea, cheers
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The existance for 5 years & dramatic success of this particular community website proves your 'look after no. 1 because no-one else will' point to be absolutely wrong. You specifically asked us to "let me know what you think" in the same sentance as you mentioned the cash in hand issue. So I'm letting you know what I think. You can of course choose to ignore this if you wish(though it does seemed to have touched a little nerve in your conscience). But here's my request - the next time your granny is stuck in A&E for 3 days waiting for a trolley, or your kids have to wear their coats in class because the roof is leaking - bite your tongue & don't complain, because you've done your own little bit to contribute to this problem.
 
Leaving all morality issues aside, cash in hand is a stupid idea from the point of view of the householder. It effectively protects the builder from any risk of being sued by the householder for non-performance or for shoddy work, as any contract involving illegatity (including tax evasion) is legally unenforceable. It also leaves the householder open to accusation that they have not paid the builder, as cash payouts are not exactly easy to verify. Also, the householder is also exposed to a high risk of 'downstream' tax audit if the builder is ever caught himself and decides to 'sing' in order to minimise his own punishment.
 
Rainyday ,The money I save I will be able send my Granny private thanks for caring all the same,
 
oulu said:
Rainyday ,The money I save I will be able send my Granny private thanks for caring all the same,
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I guess that other posters will consider your 'proud to be selfish' attitude in mind when considering whether to help you out with replies to your query.
 
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