Why work with a bad contractor when you can work with a good one

We know it is not always easy to find a good contractor and may actually take you some time and a fair amount of effort. Part of the problem is bad contractors often look and sound like a good contractor at the start of a relationship but reveal their true nature once the work is underway. So you can't tell if he you're dealing with is bad or you have really found a good one.

In our experience bad contractors are usually very likeable and promise lots of good things at very reasonable prices. Now you don't need to be told that lots of promises and low pricing normally only ends one waybadly.

Roy Fuller Director at Everything Lettings says; unfortunately, bad contractors don't follow through on their promises and may not be around to actually finish the job and thus provide no warrant at all. Not what you want when you are trusted with someone else's property to look after

At Everything Lettings we pride ourselves on working with only good contractors, not bad ones. How can we say this, our years of experience means we have all the correct processes and procedures in place to make sure all works we carry out are to agreed standards and all the contractors we use for all works have the correct qualifications, belong to approved bodies and warrant/guarantee works on completion.
I have noted some characteristics of bad contractors and those for good ones,

Bad contractors:

Don't usually like to write things down or work with contracts or works orders. Often say things like, we don't need a contract, we understand each other.
They use non-standard materials or do not build to industry standards spurting statements like we don't need permits or qualifications they're just a money grab by the local authorities, bodies etc
Need to be constantly supervised to ensure they are turning up on time, working and using the materials called for in the job specifications, then go missing or threaten to walk off the job when you supervise them too' closely.
Often look for payment upfront or at last a majority of the funds soon after starting the job. Or they claim to have made a mistake in the estimate and ask for more money to complete the job.
Make infrequent appearances at the job site and don't supervise or coordinate the work of subcontractors or their own workers.
Frequently want to move onto other jobs before they have properly finished the first part.

Good contractors display a totally different set of characteristics. You can usually tell you've got a good contractor when your contractor

Is willing to show you proof of his insurance, license and provide references to the quality of his work.
Wants to work with a client to clearly define his responsibilities.
Understands the importance and necessity of licensed bodies, permits and building inspections to verify the work has been done according to industry standards and local building codes.
Doesn't look for you to pay for a job upfront and requires only a small deposit to begin work on large jobs.
Uses quality materials as called for in the contract and doesn't try to substitute lower quality goods.
Shows up at the job site and supervises his workers and sub-contractors.
Treats your Landlords property with respect.
Welcomes questions from the clients
Finishes the job on time or very close to the schedule.
Provided warranties and guarantees

Another characteristic of good' contractors is they are often very busy. So, you may not be able to get them when you want them so why not come to Everything Lettings to get a good one. Believe me, working with a bad' one is an experience you just don't want to go through.
Everything Lettings - providing the rental industry with property maintenance plans, gas safety inspections, gas safety and combined servicing programmes, Out of hours and daytime emergency maintenance cover, EPCs and PAT testing.

Everything Lettings - Tel 0844 272 2442 Roy Fuller Mobile -07970 840561
E: roy@everything-lettings.co.uk
W: www.everything-lettings.co.uk