Search the Community

Hello, I am doing this Victorian house renovation, and we decided to first remove the chimney, that was leaning and not supported right, replace the roof and rebuild the loft with a roof company. We found roof company, it seem established (long time in trade) registered in NFB, etc. They were willing to do all package, including drawings, building control, permitted development application, etc. and start ASAP. Unfortunately I did not sign a contract but a quote. This builder/roofer also was sending me quotes for the rest of the house refurbishing. As part of the quote I was told it would cover the full roof, the loft from start to end. Only decoration out. I assumed that all project would be subject to building regulations, as it is >50% roof replaced. Soon we started to have some issues, regarding scope, big extra charges (too expensive, and should be seen in advance). But now I have structural concerns: It seems they had issues with the gable wall where the chimney was, so they supported the steel beam on top of other beam using a post built of wall studs. The roof does not seem is not restrained, they have the plates just laying over the wall, with BIG gaps, it needs refitting. The gable wall is in very poor condition, and they are covering it up by building other stud wall in front. On top, he just put 100mm rear part of the roof (BTW with HUGE gaps between insulation and rafters), which obviously does not comply Part L of insulation. He literally told me that 100mm was all he quoted for. He said "will put more if I grant the rest of the project". I am now seriously asking him to stop and provide the building control details. If they inspected and approved these changes, and if a structural engineer reviewed that wall state and the beams/post. Also how they will retrain the wall, and the roof, etc. if BC covers all the project, etc. Note: I asked a pair times for the building control details, but failed to send it so far. They payment schedule I signed was +10% to quick off, +40% to start, +30% when the roof is "watertight" and +20% on completion. So far I paid 50% but they are already saying they will ask for the 30%. What is my legal position here? I am right assuming a quote like this MUST include all building control, and hence, be built at those spec? What if they are not following this spec: Can I not pay until done? What if they actually failed to do the building control notice, or do it for part of the project? I understood they are legally bound to do it, is that right? how can I enforce that? Thank you

We have started a simple two-storey extension - hallway and bedroom above. Unfortunately we didn't get a payment structure confirmed before the work started (we've learnt our lesson!) - we are now confirming staggered payments with him because the builder is now wanting £4k a week steadily throughout the job until the end, which we're not entirely comfortable with. We would like to hold back a decent percentage at the end because we've been burned before and because we want to make sure the job is finished as we'd like before coughing up most of the money. We have an independent BC person involved in this project so we're getting everything checked off along the way. Regardless, how much would you guys recommend as the max % to retain before final payment? Thanks in advance.

I’m starting to buy stuff for my self Build. I’ve been asked a few times to pay for large ticket items via BACS rather than card. Are there any downsides to paying via BACS?