Easter Home Improvements Without Stress
Introduction
As Easter weekend approaches, it's not all about chocolate eggs and floral bonnets, for some people, it marks the start of the home improvement season. Springtime and longer, brighter evenings, can inspire many homeowners to forge ahead with plans for a patio or an extension. However, failure to consider the potential legal pitfalls could really hit your pocket warns Mark Manning, a Partner from Ashfords solicitors Exeter construction team.
"Improvements can add thousands to the value of your home or office, but you need to be aware that the lowest quotation is not always the best value for money. With any kind of project it is very easy to find yourself in a position where you have a half finished project and an exhausted budget."
"There are few simple guidelines to follow when engaging a contractor to carry out works for you:
1. PLAN AHEAD – prepare a written brief of the works to be carried out which you can give to the contractor. This avoids ambiguity later on.
2. FIX YOUR BUDGET – get at least two written quotations for the works. Do not always pick the lowest quotation as the cheapest materials will not always equate to best value if they do not last very long. The quotation provided should set out what it is that the contractor intends to do for the price it is giving. A quotation is better as an estimate can go up!
3. AS GOOD AS IT GETS – Unless you are dealing with an established contractor, try to get references from previous clients of the contractor regarding works carried out previously. Trade organisations such as the FMB (Federation of Master Builders) can provide a list of contractors for whom references have already been obtained. If in doubt, consider also obtaining a credit reference.
4. THE SMALL PRINT – read the terms and conditions provided by the contractor (or get a solicitor to explain them). Consumers have a certain amount of statutory protection from unfair terms but taking the time to read the small print may avoid a dispute later.
5. PERMISSIONS AND APPROVALS – Consider whether you need to obtain planning permission and / or building regulations approval for the proposed works. Is your property a listed building? Is the mature oak tree which you planned to uproot subject to a tree preservation order? Contact your local authority if you have any doubts.
6. AN ORAL CONTRACT IS AS GOOD AS THE PAPER IT IS WRITTEN ON – Enter into a written contract with the contractor. Often even a simple written agreement can avoid great expense later on. We regularly advise both home owners and contractors who have got themselves into trouble which could have been avoided if the agreed terms had been properly recorded in a written agreement.
7. INSURANCE – If the works are being carried out to your property contact your insurers to inform them of the works and consider whether additional insurance is required. We recommend obtaining an insurance backed warranty for larger projects.
8. COMMUNICATION – Problems often occur when parties stop talking. Regular budget updates and progress reports are important. Always record changes to the original scope of works in writing. This will avoid surprises at the end of the job.
9. CHANGES – As a client, changing your mind during the course of the building work may have cost and time consequences. The contractor may have already purchased materials or different materials may take a significant time to manufacture or order. Should you wish to change any significant element of the works ensure that you ask the builder for a quotation for those changes and an idea of the time delay consequences.
10. SNAG IT – When the works are completed take the time to prepare a list of snagging items or defects in the works to give to the contractor and agree with the contractor a reasonable deadline for completing them. All building projects have snags so be realistic when considering timetables for remedial works.
It is always advisable to get professional advice early on, preferably before the works start. Pounds spent at the beginning could save thousands of pounds if something goes wrong later."
