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02/09/24
Response to @RWangz
Q. Hi, I could really use some advice. Every time I spend time putting together a quote for a client, I feel pretty confident that I’ll win the job. But as soon as we get to the topic of payment terms—especially when I mention cash payments—the clients seem to get nervous, and I often lose the project. It’s really frustrating because I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. What am I missing, and how can I put clients at ease when it comes to discussing payments?
A. This is a pretty common issue, and you’re definitely not alone in feeling frustrated when it comes to talking about money, especially cash. Here's the thing: when clients hear the word “cash,” it can sometimes raise red flags for them. Cash payments can make people feel uneasy because they’re worried there’s no paper trail if something goes wrong. It’s not that they don’t trust you, but cash can feel less secure, and they might associate it with under-the-table deals or dodging taxes, even if that’s not what’s happening at all.
To put clients at ease, one of the best things you can do is move away from cash altogether. You could adopt a more formal, non-cash contract, where everything is documented. That way, you and the client both have something solid to refer to if there are any issues down the line. It also shows professionalism and transparency, which clients appreciate. For example, you could break down payment milestones in the contract: one payment upfront, one halfway through the project, and one upon completion. This gives them a clear idea of what to expect and reassures them that their money is going where it’s supposed to.
Another option to help them feel more comfortable is to offer a short-term loan solution as part of your contract. Some clients may feel nervous about upfront payments because it’s a big financial commitment, especially if they don’t have the cash on hand. You could partner with a finance company to offer a loan service, where they pay a little extra in interest but can borrow the money to cover the project. This way, they don’t have to worry about large sums of cash, and you still get paid on time.
Also, it might be worth looking into getting a card machine or EPOS system to accept credit or debit card payments. Some clients prefer paying with a card because it offers them a bit more protection and gives them the option to spread out the payments on their credit card. It’s quick, easy, and helps remove that awkwardness around cash. Plus, it makes you look even more professional, which could help you close more deals.
By offering these services, you’re showing your clients that you’re flexible and understand their concerns. In fact, as part of my own service, I include both options in the contract: either a payment loan system or an EPOS machine, depending on what works best for the client.
Ultimately, it’s about making the payment process feel as secure and smooth as possible for them. Just remember, the more options you can give that feel formal and secure, the more confident your clients will feel in choosing you!
If you need a EPOS system or short term loan provider, follow our link below, to have the right professionals reach out to quote you for FREE:
Hope that helps, Regards,
Mark K Jarhed
Senior Project Specialist
03/06/24
Response to @AWicks
Q. Hi, I'm looking to have my house extended in the summer. I have drawings in place that have been signed off and are ready to start building from, but I'm very worried about selecting a builder. I've read a few articles on line on what and how to vet a builder, but was hoping you can advise me on what type of insurances a builder should have, in order to make sure i’m protected?
A. Hi there! Great to hear you’ve got your drawings signed off—that’s a big step forward. Now, when it comes to selecting a builder, making sure they have the right insurance is absolutely crucial. You want to protect yourself and your property, so here's what to look for:
Public Liability Insurance: This is a must-have. It covers the builder for any damage they might accidentally cause to your property or to someone else during the project. For example, if they drop a piece of scaffolding and it damages your car, or worse, injures someone, this insurance would cover those costs. Builders should have at least £1 million in coverage, though more is better depending on the size of the project.
Employer’s Liability Insurance: If the builder has a team working for them, this insurance is legally required. It covers any claims if one of their workers is injured or becomes ill as a result of working on your project. Even though this is more about their internal protection, it’s still important because it reflects on their professionalism.
Contractor’s All-Risk Insurance: This is a comprehensive policy that covers things like theft, damage to the building works, and even some faulty workmanship issues. It’s particularly useful because it can cover the work in progress. Let’s say there’s a storm and part of the structure they’ve just built gets damaged—this insurance would kick in to cover the repair costs.
Professional Indemnity Insurance: This one’s a bit more niche, but if your builder is also providing design or planning services (even tweaking existing plans), this covers them for any mistakes or negligence in that area. If they make an error in the plans that causes problems down the line, this insurance would cover the cost of rectifying that.
It’s always a good idea to ask the builder for proof of these insurances before you sign anything. And don’t be shy about it—any reputable builder will expect this question and should be happy to provide you with the documentation. If they get defensive or try to brush it off, that’s a big red flag.
One last tip: make sure the insurance is up to date and covers the duration of your project. You don't want to find out halfway through that their policy has lapsed!
Good luck with your extension! It sounds like you're on top of things, and with the right builder, it should be a smooth process.
Hope that helps, Regards,
Kevin McParthy
Senior Project Manager
13/04/24
Response to @JSingh
Q. I have planning permission drawings completed and approved. I approached a builder to get some quotes and they are advising that I now need some more drawings, before they will quote? is that correct? and do I need these drawings?
A. Yes, what the builder is saying is quite common. Here’s why:
Planning permission drawings typically show the overall design and how your project fits into the surrounding area, but they don’t usually include the detailed specifications that builders need to provide an accurate quote and carry out the work. These additional drawings are often referred to as “construction drawings” or “detailed drawings.”
These drawings include:
Technical Details: Precise measurements, materials, and construction methods.
Structural Information: Details on foundations, beams, and other structural elements.
Electrical and Plumbing Plans: Locations of wiring, outlets, pipes, etc.
Finishing Details: Specifications for things like windows, doors, and finishes.
Without these detailed drawings, the builder might struggle to provide a precise quote or might end up quoting based on assumptions, which could lead to surprises later in the project.
So, while it might feel like an extra step, these drawings are essential for ensuring your builder can accurately price and execute the work according to your expectations. It’s worth investing in them to avoid any misunderstandings or costly mistakes down the line.
Hope that helps, Regards,
Mark K Jarhed
Senior Project Specialist
19/07/24
Response to @KSmith
Q. We are week 25 into our promised project of agreed 15 weeks. My wife has had enough and we are looking to engage in a dispute, how do we do this?
A. Handling disputes with your builder can be challenging, but here’s how to manage it:
Communicate Clearly: Address issues as soon as they arise. Stay calm and factual in your discussions.
Document Everything: Keep records of all communications and take photos of problematic work.
Refer to the Contract: Point out where the builder isn’t meeting the agreed terms.
Give a Chance to Fix It: Allow the builder an opportunity to correct the issue.
Consider Mediation: If direct communication fails, a neutral third party can help resolve the dispute.
Withhold Payment: If work isn’t up to standard, consider holding back payment, but do so carefully per your contract.
Get Professional Input: An independent expert can assess the work and assist in negotiations.
Formal Complaint: If the builder is part of a trade association, use their dispute resolution services.
Legal Action: As a last resort, consider small claims court or legal action, but try other options first.
Keep things documented and try to resolve disputes early to avoid escalation. Its important to follow the above as a minimal. If the case escalate and goes to court, the above information you collate will be in your favour.
Hope that helps, Regards,
Mark K Jarhed
Senior Project Specialist
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Hey, I totally get where you’re coming from—it’s super stressful when a project isn’t going as planned. But don’t worry, you do have rights and there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
First off, let’s talk about the delays. If your builder is falling behind schedule, the first thing you should do is check the contract you both signed. Hopefully, it includes a clear timeline with specific deadlines. Many good contracts will have a clause that covers what happens if those deadlines aren’t met—sometimes called a “time is of the essence” clause. If this is in there, you’ve got solid ground to stand on because it means the builder has legally agreed to finish by a certain date.
Now, if delays keep happening and it’s affecting the project significantly, you have a few options. One is to renegotiate the timeline—but make sure any changes are put in writing and agreed upon by both parties. If the delays are severe and you’re losing faith in the builder, you might consider ending the contract. But be careful with this—terminating a contract can be tricky, and you’d want to ensure you’re not in breach yourself. It’s a good idea to consult a legal professional before taking this step.
As for the costs creeping up, that’s a big concern. Again, your contract is key. It should outline the agreed budget and specify what happens if there are additional costs. Sometimes, builders will hit you with extra charges for things like unforeseen issues or additional work that wasn’t part of the original plan. If that’s the case, they should notify you before going ahead, and you should agree on any extra costs before they start the additional work.
To protect yourself, insist on detailed quotes and written agreements for any variations in the work. If the builder starts adding costs without your consent, you’re within your rights to dispute those charges. Make sure to keep all communication in writing—emails are fine—so you have a record of what’s been agreed.
If things go south and you’re stuck in a dispute, you might want to look at mediation first—this can be quicker and cheaper than going to court. The Federation of Master Builders offers a dispute resolution service if your builder is a member, which could be a good first step.
In a nutshell, stay on top of the paperwork, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and make sure any changes to the project are documented. You’ve got rights, and by keeping everything above board, you’ll be in a strong position to handle any issues that come up.
Hope that helps! If you need any more specific advice or have more questions, feel free to ask.
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Hey there! First off, congrats on the loft conversion—it's a great way to add space and value to your home. And yeah, you're right to be mindful of building regulations; they’re essential to ensure your project is safe, up to code, and legally sound.
So, let's break it down. When it comes to loft conversions, here are the key building regulations you’ll need to consider:
1. Structural Stability
Your loft needs to be able to support the extra weight of a room—think floors, furniture, people, etc. This means your existing structure might need reinforcement. A structural engineer will typically assess this and provide the necessary calculations.
2. Fire Safety
This is a big one. The new loft space must have a safe means of escape in case of fire. This usually means installing fire doors on any rooms leading to the stairs, ensuring the stairwell is protected, and possibly adding mains-powered smoke alarms. In some cases, a new fire-resistant floor or walls might be required.
3. Insulation
You’ll need to make sure your loft is properly insulated, not just for energy efficiency but also for soundproofing. Building regulations require a certain standard of thermal insulation to keep your new space warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
4. Staircase Access
The stairs to your new loft must meet certain criteria. For example, they need to be a certain width, have sufficient headroom, and comply with rules on steepness and balustrades. If space is tight, a space-saving staircase like a spiral or alternating tread stair might be an option, but even these have to meet specific standards.
5. Windows and Ventilation
You’ll need to ensure that the loft has adequate natural light and ventilation. This usually involves adding roof windows or dormers. Also, any new windows need to be escape-compliant if they’re intended to be a secondary means of escape.
6. Party Wall Agreement
If your loft conversion involves work on a shared wall with your neighbors (like in a terraced or semi-detached house), you’ll need to get a Party Wall Agreement in place before starting work. This is a legal requirement under the Party Wall Act.
7. Head Height
The finished ceiling height in your loft conversion should be at least 2.2 meters (about 7 feet 2 inches) for a comfortable space. If your existing loft doesn’t have enough height, you might need to lower the ceiling of the room below or raise the roof, which can add complexity and cost.
8. Building Control Approval
Before you start, you’ll need to submit your plans to Building Control for approval. They’ll check your designs against all the relevant regulations. You can do this either through a Full Plans application or a Building Notice. Your builder or architect can help with this.
9. Electrics and Plumbing
Any new electrics in the loft conversion need to be done to Part P standards, which means they must be safe and installed by a qualified electrician. If you’re adding an en-suite or bathroom, the plumbing and drainage will also need to comply with building regs.
10. Planning Permission
While most loft conversions fall under permitted development and won’t require planning permission, it’s still a good idea to check. If your home is in a conservation area or if you're planning a major change like a mansard roof, you might need to apply for planning permission.
To make sure everything is covered, it's often worth getting a professional, like an architect or a builder experienced in loft conversions, involved early on. They'll help guide you through the process and ensure all the boxes are ticked.
Hope that helps, and good luck with your project! Feel free to ask if anything else pops up.
