Linto Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 So, having finally managed to get some quotes from builders for my loft conversion I've got to decide between them. 1st builder is highly rated but seems quite skeptical of some of the design choices (too much insulation, doesn't like warm roofs, amongst other things) he's quite old school and seemingly set in his ways. I can see me butting heads with him about some details but getting a good result by the end. 2nd builder not as good a reputation (some good to middling feedback from past customers) he seems keen and wants to learn. But the feedback has me thinking that to get the end result we want will require a bit more monitoring/ guidance. He seems like somebody I can work with. Price wise there is very little between them so I guess the question is should I go with old, set in his ways but knowledgeable or keen but needs more monitoring and input from me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_r_sole Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 A builder saying too much insulation and doesn't like warm roofs is a bit worrying if you want a well insulated loft conversion with a warm roof... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roundtuit Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 Hmm... if it was Dragon's Den, I'd want to split the equity and have them both on board. As it's not, I think I'd go for the guy with an eye on the future that's keen to learn. That's not to say I don't appreciate time-served craftsmanship, but unless you're doing a conservation job, things have moved on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gav_P Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 Maybe neither is right for you and you should try to find one that is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZacP Posted September 17, 2020 Share Posted September 17, 2020 Personally if Having to choose between the two I’d go for the keener one who will learn and follow instruction better. Having said that I’d agree with @Gav_P and look for a third option I think. You may still go with one of the first two but never hurts to have more options! good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linto Posted September 18, 2020 Author Share Posted September 18, 2020 Cheers for the advice guys. R_sole I know what you mean, he's ok with the warm roof in the living area but doesn't see the point in doing the warm roof for the eaves. Gav_p I wish I had that option, this the short list from approaching about 15. ZacP I'm leaning your way as I think a positive working relationship is potentially more important even if it means extra oversight. Decisions, decisions. Thanks for helping me get my thinking in order guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nod Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 10 hours ago, the_r_sole said: A builder saying too much insulation and doesn't like warm roofs is a bit worrying if you want a well insulated loft conversion with a warm roof... Plus one here It’s never about what the builder or trade like They should follow The drawing and spec Go for the most detailed quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe90 Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 Get another couple of quotes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bored Shopper Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 I'd +1 on "follow the instruction". Also communication is key - avoid a builder who nods in response to your detailed instruction and then does it his own way which is not quite what you want but then it costs money / time to re-do, you don't want to argue, etc etc. The result will be an unhappy one. Probably another couple of quotes won't hurt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linto Posted September 18, 2020 Author Share Posted September 18, 2020 (edited) Cheers guys, going to look a bit further afield to get a few more quotes. Problem is the builders I'll be approaching will be over an hour's travelling time away, any advice on how to get them to consider even looking at the job when most seem reluctant to travel? Edited September 18, 2020 by Linto Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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