Be prepared to wait months for a quality builder
Alarm bells should ring if a builder says they can start next week and you should be prepared to wait around 4-7 months for a quality builder.
Homeowners should plan a home improvement project at least seven months in advance, and be prepared to wait four months or more for a ‘quality’ builder to become available, if they want it done properly, a trade association has warned.
The Federation of Master Builders
The Federation of Master Builders’ research found property owners are waiting, on average, seven months for an extension, six and a half months for a loft conversion and five months for a new bathroom. This includes the time it takes to complete these projects.
And even painting and decorating can incur delays. The FMB say it is common to wait five months for the interior of your home to be painted. This is the same time as it takes to install a new kitchen, convert a cupboard under the stairs into a downstairs bathroom, or remove an internal wall to create an open-plan kitchen and diner.
This means homeowners looking to have their extension finished by Christmas should have a builder lined up by May. And those hoping for a new kitchen ready for the summer should be getting quotes now.
A successful building project
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: ‘A successful building project requires careful planning and our research gives clear guidance to consumers on likely timelines.
‘Not only do homeowners need to consider how long a project takes to complete, they also need to remember how long they should expect to wait for a quality builder to be available to get going on their project.
‘If homeowners want to work with a good builder, they should be expecting to wait at least four months and as a general rule, the larger the project, the longer the wait. When looking to appoint a builder, alarm bells should ring if they say they can start next week.
Experienced and professional building firms
‘Experienced and professional building firms are booked up far in advance and it’s always worth waiting for these firms if you want a stress-free experience and a quality finish.’
As a quality builder, Sherratt Builders are usually booked up several months in advance. But that’s a good thing, as you know we are quality, recommended and trusted local builders.
