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Limited
Guidance Notes on Extensions |
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Section
E - Your contract with the builder |
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1. |
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You may
be asked to enter into a formal contract by your builder. If
this is the case and you do not understand the terms or conditions,
seek advice before signing. |
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2. |
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If you
do not have a formal contract, you should write to your builder
asking for his written terms and conditions before you instruct
him. |
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3. |
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Always
obtain a 'firm quotation' and not an 'Estimate', which may be
varied later for 'unforeseen additional work'. |
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4. |
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Ask for
a programme of work and a final completion date, in writing.
Advise your builder that you expect the work to be completed
to the programme and that you will only accept delays for reasonable
reasons such as inclement weather. |
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5. |
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Make certain
that your builder is not intending to sub let the contract to
another builder who may not be as competent. He may reasonably
wish to use other specialists to do sections of the work, such
as a roofer or an electrician, but you should make it clear that
you expect him to warrantee this work as if it were his own. |
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6. |
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Agree
stage payments for the work as it proceeds. Only make such payments
if he has completed that amount of work satisfactorily. |
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7. |
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Overall,
retain about five percent of the full amount until full completion
and until you are satisfied that the builder has rectified small
'snagging' items to your satisfaction. |
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8. |
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If work
is not done satisfactorily, it may be within your rights to demand
that it is corrected to your satisfaction. If not you may be
able to withhold payment or to get the work put right by another
builder and deduct the cost from the original quotation. |
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9. |
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Your builder
should advise you of any intended substitution of named building
materials or manufacturers of items such as lintel beams and
blockwork. If in doubt about what may be being used consult the
Building Control Officer or David Ryland. |
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10. |
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If you
ask the builder to vary the work, or carry out additional work,
make sure that you are given a firm written quotation for this
before it is done. Ask what affect this may have on the programme
and confirm these back to the builder in writing. |
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11. |
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Your builder
may require a lump sum 'up front' to enable him to purchase building
materials such as bricks or blockwork. This is usual practice.
If concerned about the amount discuss with the builder the breakdown
before paying it. |
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