Avoiding problems with a construction company

various pictures displaying scaffolding projects of Honiton Scaffolding

	BACK TO ADVICE 5 Things to look for when hiring a Construction Company
	You need to hire a construction company because you have some work that needs doing, but how can you know you’re not getting into more problems? Here are five pointers to help you choose wisely.
	1. Are they qualified? If the construction company that you hire does not have experience, how will you ever know that they are doing the job right? Ask them to refer you to some of their previous customers and if you can look at some of the work they have already completed. If they are a reputable company there shouldn’t be any problem with referring you to satisfied customers and finished projects.
	2. What is it going to cost? Price is also an important factor to consider. Just remember that price is not the be all and end all, however you do get what you pay for. When you have narrowed down your choices a little you will want to consider who offers the best quality of work for the price that you can afford. 3. Do they have enough time? When you hire a construction company, make sure that they have the time necessary to complete your job according to your time frame. Builders are notorious for having multiple projects on the go at the same time. This could mean that your project would be relegated to the bottom of their list if someone else were shouting louder. Avoid any possible issues by agreeing a target completion date and having this outlined in your contract with the company. Ask them whether their workload allows them the necessary time to complete your job and whether they are able to meet the deadline. *4. Are they fully insured?* As you may well know insurance for business is extremely expensive, especially for the building industry. Sometimes an unscrupulous construction company will try to cut their costs by skimping on insurance. If an accident were to occur to your property or someone else, although it is not your responsibility, it can have an effect on the time taken to finish your project whilst the matter is dealt with. See additional information on our insurance page *5. Are they members of professional organisations?* In the the the UK, there are various bodies that have strict guidelines for their members. So if they are members of them, it will give you greater peace of mind. Look out for: Guild of Master Craftsmen (GMC), this site has an excellent selection of publications ranging from DIY to covering ever aspect of house building - it's well worth a look National House Builders Association (NHBC) National Home Improvement Council (NHIC) Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Finally, have it put in writing, then everyone knows where they stand. Hiring a construction company can be difficult but these three simple steps can avoid many of the problems. Call on 01404 548222 or click here to contact us for your FREE quote