Page 24 - Planning Application Guide (Template)

Planning Application Guide
Preparing for your Building Project
Selecting a Contractor
Obtaining planning permission is only the start of the process, you may well need to seek building regulations approval which may require further (more technical plans and structural calculations) as well as nd a contractor to undertake the work.
Often, the contractor you employ to carry out the work was not known to you prior to their engagement. So can you trust your contractor?
Adding space to your home can be an excellent alternative to moving house and it can certainly be cheaper when you take into consideration possible stamp duty, estate agent fees and the cost of removal rms. But building work in itself does not come cheap and it is not without risk.
• Most if not all contractors will request a
deposit to cover some of their costs before
they begin work, after all they don’t know
if they can trust you to settle your account
once the work is nished. On the other hand,
how would you know if your contractor
is struggling and will they be using your
money to fund other work they are currently
undertaking?
We want to help you get the work underway and completed on time by reliable contractors and tradesmen.
Here are suggestions to avoid risks: Consideration should be given to employing a surveyor to ensure the work is completed correctly, within the agreed time frame, on budget and in accordance with the Planning and Building Regulations for your area.
If you are managing the project yourself, it is advisable to set up separate transactions for each stage of the work which should keep you in control of your budget.
To help reduce the risk even further there are companies you can register with who o er secure transaction and payment facilities for building and home improvement projects. This is a good way to ensure your money is protected. It also gives the contractor / tradesman peace of mind that you have the money to pay his bill when the work is complete. Both customer and contractor are equally protected.
Contractor Checklist
• •
Ask for several recent references and follow them up.
Check that the contractor/tradesman is fully insured for any damages or claims that may arise from the work they will be carrying out
Always get more than one quote and ask for a breakdown of labour and materials so you can compare prices.
Avoid paying cash.
Check the contractor/tradesman has the required professional quali cations.
• •
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