On 3 Jan 2007 at 8:29pm Robert Williams wrote:
Hi
I realise this is probably not the best place to ask but can anyone recommend a decent builder who can take on a reasonable sized extension in Lewes. I have had all the drawings prepared by qualified architects and am ready to go.
I could go through the phone book but its a bit risky.
Any help would be appreciated.
On 4 Jan 2007 at 9:22am I dont live in lewes anymore wrote:
BOB... the Builder, he can fix it.
PhilX
On 4 Jan 2007 at 4:37pm The insider wrote:
Jason Winter's good lives near eastbourne now
On 4 Jan 2007 at 4:56pm WAG wrote:
I'll only tell you if you entertain me!
On 4 Jan 2007 at 7:00pm Chav wrote:
Chartered Housing And Valuation Increasing Establishment are the company to go for. 50% up front and I..errr... they will be straight round to do a perfect job.
25 year guarantee!!
(exludes breakages, leakages, bad workmanship and unfinished projects)
On 5 Jan 2007 at 7:30am paul wrote:
Hi Robert, I am a plasterer myself but my father is a builder of 40 years experience, reply to email : [email protected] and we can talk, it seems this site has been infiltrated by the comedy fraternity of lewes, who have nothing better to do ! Always busy two or three months ahead so get in quick ! Can also let you know who to avoid !!
On 5 Jan 2007 at 9:29am Mystic mog wrote:
Hartley Quinn Wilson in Cooksbridge are good.
On 5 Jan 2007 at 10:02am Mark rolfe wrote:
Don't normally agree with Mog but in this instance he is quite right they are good builders.
On 5 Jan 2007 at 1:15pm Avidfan wrote:
.............and expensive.
On 5 Jan 2007 at 7:37pm Mystic mog wrote:
Maybe, but the work is quality and they are reliable. Price is not everything.
On 5 Jan 2007 at 11:18pm Robert Williams wrote:
Have you or anyone you know had first hand experience of them Mog?
On 5 Jan 2007 at 11:20pm Robert Williams wrote:
Whats your dads name, does he work for himself, what size projects does he usually work on?
On 6 Jan 2007 at 1:31am The Tooth Fairy wrote:
They're not bad Robert, they think they're the dogs dodars but there are plenty of others out there just as good if not better. If you feel confident you can get in separate sub contractors to do the different aspects of the job. You will need a ground work and bricklaying gang to do the foundations and get the structure up to roof level. A carpenter for the roof ect, plus all the nesessary trades for all the internal work (plumber, sparks etc.) This will take a little effort and may seem hard work. However, plenty of people take this route because you will save money. You will not be paying the builders profit, or paying VAT on labour as most small traders are not VAT registered. Worth thinking about. ps i doubt hqw would even consider tendering for your little forty grand job.
On 6 Jan 2007 at 7:13am paul wrote:
Tooth fairy is correct ! this is the best route ! i would definately steer clear of HQW. They have the image, shiny vans, restoration patter etc etc. Do they have a lifetimes experience in the buiding trade or are they just kitchen fitters with a bit of cash branching out ?? just ask latest customers about their quality, Green house opposite Guido's in the bottle neck!! There are a lot of quality trades men in the area with a realistic pricing structure so as i said before get in touch with me for advice: [email protected] I wont give names and tel numbers on this forum !!! come and visit my latest refurb project if you like and i will point you in the right direction . Dont get stung !!!
On 6 Jan 2007 at 8:00pm Mystic mog wrote:
Fair comment TF. Just answering the initial question. Personally I do it myself but have friends who have worked for HQW and others who have had work done by them. There are lots of good craftsmen in and around Lewes.
On 6 Jan 2007 at 10:42pm expat two wrote:
TF, your on thin ice suggesting using builders who aren't vat registered. A tradesman who isn't vat registered is, by definition, not a tradesman.
You'll have tough time if anything goes wrong, as you're pretty well giving up any consumer rights - not paying vat is, after all, illegal.
I'm sorry to say, there's few industries with quite so many chancers, BSers and thiefs. The 15% (potential) saving just isn't worth it.
On 7 Jan 2007 at 5:41am SHS wrote:
Tradesmen (and ltd companies for that matter) with a turnover of less than £61,000 p.a. are not required to register for vat. They are doing nothing illegal and on the contrary have often made a conscious decision to keep down prices to the customer by not registering, and to reduce paper work. Far from avoiding tax, the trader is paying more tax because he cannot claim back the vat on his expenses.
On 7 Jan 2007 at 6:16am Old Man wrote:
I suspect that Expat has been out the country too long - nonetheless, traders who are not vat registered are not excused from charging/paying VAT as ToothFairy suggests.
That's tax fraud.
On 7 Jan 2007 at 8:26am SHS wrote:
The fraud is committed if a trader who is not registered for vat nevertheless adds vat on top of the bill given to the customer. The trader would then pocket the vat. The reason an honest trader does not register for vat is so that he does not have to charge the customer vat - the customer pays less, the trader earns the same and can spend more time doing his job rather than tedious paperwork. HMRC do not lose out by much, if anything, because they do not have to re-imburse the trader for vat paid on his expenses.
On 7 Jan 2007 at 9:52am The Tooth Fairy wrote:
I am most certainly not! SHS covers the subject most comprehensively. Turning over less than £61,000 does not make a trader a chancer, thief, or a BSer(?), and it certainly doesn't maker them less of a tradesman or effect any consumer rights. Perhaps when you lived here you ran a 'cash only love, sorry I haven't got my receipt book with me' business?
On 8 Jan 2007 at 10:19pm graham wrote:
If a builder is available he is no good - and vice versa. Try Steve Saunders in Newick - he is agood builder and a nice guy.
On 8 Jan 2007 at 11:57pm Robert Williams wrote:
So I guess he won't be available then?
Are you a mate of his or have you used him yourself?
On 9 Jan 2007 at 11:03am The insider wrote:
Have to disagree graham, If a builder is any good he will be available cause he won't be sat around in Low cut jeans drinking tea, dragging a 2 week job out for 5 months!
On 9 Jan 2007 at 3:25pm The offsider wrote:
Nope, I'm with Miss Graham on this. A good builder won't be available for at least 6 months, years even (if ever....).
On 10 Jan 2007 at 9:57am The Insider wrote:
Fair Do's
On 13 Jan 2007 at 11:14am Frank Bough wrote:
I used GTD who are fairly local and use local Lewes builders. Reasonably well priced, honest and trustworthy. Like any builders though, write down EVERYTHING you need doing, get their quote with EVERYTHING you need doing listed and priced.
On 30 Jan 2007 at 1:05pm Diabolik wrote:
Talking of which, I don't suppose anyone can recommend a decent architect? Someone who can do smallish jobs (house extension, something like £30k budget in all...)
On 30 Jan 2007 at 8:14pm The Tooth Fairy wrote:
Bill Roberts at Barcombe is your man. Handles the whole planning proceedure, reasonably priced too.
On 31 Jan 2007 at 3:15pm Smiler wrote:
Try Neil Way (Axiom) he did mine as a private job and did a great job at a very reasonable rate.
On 11 Feb 2007 at 5:22pm duke wrote:
Try using an FMB registered builder (Federation of Master Builders). Those who have joined their MasterBond Warranty scheme give an insurance backed warranty and automatically fall under the auspicies of the Government endorsed TrustMark scheme. In the event of a problem an alternative contractor is found without further cost to the customer.
On 16 Feb 2007 at 4:26pm Jack Carter wrote:
I'd talk to 'Barry the Builder' - Drinks in The Rainbow most evenings.
One of the top UK brickies, has contacts others can only dream about.
I stake my good name on this advice.
On 14 May 2007 at 11:05pm Diana wrote:
I know a good builder, who has just carried out extensive work on our house (fitting kitchen and bathroom, which included knocking down interior walls, fitting a wooden floor and so forth). His name is Yuriy: 077 3716 7187
www.construction-services.uk.com
I am not sure if he will take the job in Lewes, but you can try