Finding a bricklayer

[flanagaj]

I've concluded that a combination of being height of summer and a job half finished is enough of a reason why those who come around to view our project never come back with the quote that they say they will.  We have had 5 now, who have chatted for nearly an hour and left saying they'll have a quote to me in a few days, to hearing nothing more.  Very frustrating, as I'd prefer a "not interested ..."

 

I have just received a quote with respectable QS aligned numbers from a company that on closer inspection is nothing more than a intermediary contractor that must simply have bricklayers on their books that they subbie out.  It's akin when I used to IT contract, the service was provided through an agency.

 

We may have no choice on this as before long the mortgage company is going to start asking questions.  Has anyone gone down this approach and if so, what due diligence can I do to ensure that whoever does the brickwork does it to a good standard.  It does make me nervous.

[Nickfromwales]

Offer to pay a much higher rate, if they can show you pics of previous work on their phones. That’s the only way to bag a trade in peak season, as money talks.
 

Ask to see the dates the photos were taken, and properly explain the issues you’ve had. Ask if they have PL insurance and say you’ll need to see a copy; those two things filter out most of the shitebags. 

 

As far as a random middle-man taking money from you as an agent? I’d lay the bricks myself before doing this; they’ll find the cheapest bricky possible, do near zero vetting, and keep as much money back as is possible.

[flanagaj]

8 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said:

they’ll find the cheapest bricky possible, do near zero vetting, and keep as much money back as is possible.

That is my concern as well.  I think I have talked myself out of it already.

[Nickfromwales]

1 hour ago, flanagaj said:

That is my concern as well.  I think I have talked myself out of it already.

What area are you again? 

[G and J]

This might not work, but my recollection is that you found a groundworker in the end that you were happy with and who could work with you......could they recommend someone to you.....I ask this because being on "on site self builder" who has a strong vested interest in outcomes is not a situation that everyone is comfortable with (maybe they should be but that's another debate) so having another trade saying "look they're ok, pay on time etc etc" may help your case? This is how we have had good referrals

[flanagaj]

29 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said:

What area are you again? 

Basingstoke

[flanagaj]

23 minutes ago, G and J said:

This might not work, but my recollection is that you found a groundworker in the end that you were happy with and who could work with you......could they recommend someone to you.....I ask this because being on "on site self builder" who has a strong vested interest in outcomes is not a situation that everyone is comfortable with (maybe they should be but that's another debate) so having another trade saying "look they're ok, pay on time etc etc" may help your case? This is how we have had good referrals

Unfortunately, the brickie the groundworker recommended has retired and the JCB driver who dug the footings just keeps his head down and doesn't recommend trades.

[G and J]

6 minutes ago, flanagaj said:

the brickie the groundworker recommended has retired

If you can afford it (time, not just £) is it worth talking to him? He maybe bored already and prepared to take on a job that offers flexibility.

 

Our carpenter (recommended by previous trade) is retired and has worked an average of 3 days a week (5 when deadline has required) 1 day a week, when suited etc.