Up close and personal with your builder
Many building projects succeed or fail on the strength of the relationship between the builder and the client.
So, take a proactive approach and create a working partnership that will deliver exactly what you want.
When a building project starts to go wrong, it’s easy to point a finger at your builder.
But as in most business engagements, with a little effort on both sides and a lot of communication, it is possible to create a working relationship that will support your project through good times and the trickier moments.
First and most important is hiring the right builder for you. Take time to understand what you and your builder expect from each other and you will be on your way to a great relationship.
As the project progresses, make sure you nurture the relationship by communicating frequently and clarifying any potential misunderstandings.
An honest and open conversation should highlight and clear up any differences, while an occasional word of praise will go a long way to help cement the relationship.
Top tips for a successful relationship
- Choose your builder carefully – make sure you trust your builder and that you both understand how you will work together.
- Draw up a contract – this should include an agreed timetable that both you and your builder are comfortable with. The FMB’s Plain English Contract can help to prevent problems and can be used for any building project.
Download it free at www.findabuilder.co.uk
- Be realistic – builders aren’t mind readers, so if your project is not going according to plan, you must explain what you want and discuss the options.
- Making changes – if you want to make changes during the project, make sure you communicate these clearly to your builder and discuss any implications to the programme and budget to avoid nasty surprises later.
- Keep talking – good communication is essential to success.
- Be available – let your builder know when you will be around and how to contact you when you are out so that you can make quick decisions when they are needed.
- Just ask – if you don’t understand building jargon ask for an explanation sooner rather than later so there are no misunderstandings.
- Pay promptly – set a timetable for when and how payments will be made through the project so that you can plan ahead and, when each project stage is finished, check you are happy with the work and pay promptly.
We hope that when you contact Sherratt Builders you will find all of the above to be true and we look forward to hopefully working with you.
If you’d like to discuss a project with us, we always offer no obligation quotes. Please call us on 01743 791815 or 07786 268435 or email info@sherrattbuilders.co.uk
