Paying a builder for extension?

T

TillyD

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We’re building an extension to our house. We’ve found a builder we’re happy with, we’ve seen his pervious work and the couple that he worked with was very happy with him. The extension is costing us 50K and he wants half of that up front. He asked my friend for 50% up front too and you don’t give him any more until the job is finished and you’re happy with his work. Do I get a solicitor involved or do I just hand this guy 25K. Is this the done thing?

Another question do I need extra insurance cover while the extension is being built?

Thanks… Tilly.
 
firstly....
yes you need insurance to indemnify yourself for the duration of the build.

secondly, you should engage an architect or engineer to inspect the work and sign off each stage. no money should be released until that stage of work is done. these stage payments should be agreed between you and your builder with consultation with you architect..
 
Hi there,

I would not pay a cent without having a Building Agreement in place. I would insert every detail about the job into this agreement i.e. completion date, price (whether this includes VAT) and all the details of the job to include for example..... Supply and fit 3 teak doors.
Supply and fit architraves( clients selection), paint the doors with three coats of paint..... I would detail everything that you can think of. In the event of a dispute, you will have an agreement which you have both signed to rely on.

Good Luck
 
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Hi TillyD, do you mind me asking what size/type extension you are building? I am looking into starting one soon, and would be very interested to know what you are getting for 50k. Thanks!
 
Rubyh said:
Hi there,

I would not pay a cent without having a Building Agreement in place. I would insert every detail about the job into this agreement i.e. completion date, price (whether this includes VAT) and all the details of the job to include for example..... Supply and fit 3 teak doors.
Supply and fit architraves( clients selection), paint the doors with three coats of paint..... I would detail everything that you can think of. In the event of a dispute, you will have an agreement which you have both signed to rely on.

Good Luck
Click to expand...

Does this agreement need to be legally binding, or drawn up by a solicitor? I'm in similar boat - have completed drawings with architect and engineer.
Thanks
 
we got an extension built a few yrs back and paid the builder 50% up front. In saying that I knew him well
 
I prefer to pay for large jobs weekly after a week's job, would pay for materials in advance and maybe 10% up front if necessary and if I knew the builder well. Would not pay 50% before anything is done. Negotiate.
 
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