How to Avoid Problems with Contractors

The more thorough you are when preparing your specification for any contractor, the less likely you are to end up with any problems. However, it's always a good idea to agree in advance what procedures you'll follow if a dispute does arise. Play your part in maintaining a good working relationship by giving the contractor as much notice as possible, in writing, if you change the specification, or if there is good reason why payments will be late or withheld, and by paying promptly if there are no problems.

Listed below are some common complaints about getting work done by contractors - and how to avoid them.

Lost Deposits

Some firms won't start work unless they receive a deposit. If they insist on this, ask for bank and insurance references - and follow them up before work starts.

Over-Charging

Confirm every verbal quotation in writing, even if you are only having minor work done and are paying on an hourly basis. Your letter should confirm:

• the hourly rate
• whether the quote includes tax
• how materials will be costed
• approximately how long the job should take

Poor Workmanship

Following up references and checking on membership of professional trade associations is your best safeguard. While the job is on, inspect the work at the end of every day. If you suspect the work is not up to standard, talk to the contractor immediately as it could jeopardize the quality of subsequent work. Hold back the final payment for 3 months in case problems arise once the contractor has left the scene.

Pressure to Have Unnecessary Work Done

You should never agree to have work done that you don't want - but that is sometimes easier said than done. If you're up against someone particularly pushy, buy yourself time by saying that you have a friend or relative with whom you'd like to discuss the proposals, or say you need to obtain a loan to pay for the work and you'll have to submit three detailed quotations. Unscrupulous builders and cold-call salespeople will not risk being put under such scrutiny.

Unfinished Work

Make sure that, at all times, the money you owe the contractor more than covers the cost of finishing the job - otherwise unscrupulous traders may feel they have nothing to lose by abandoning you.

Unnecessary Delays

Before you accept any quotation, ask how long the work should take, when it will start and when it will finish. Include a penalty clause in your agreement, to reduce the bill by a stated amount if the job overruns beyond a set number of days.