Ground Floor Extension

It is unfortunate as the first review for this builder is not a positive one .Chris the builder uses sub contractors who are individuals who are busy doing their own jobs. Initially we were told we had to wait 10 days for the digger. 10 days later it turned into another 10 days and this was the pattern throughout which is why the job took 18 weeks when it was supposed to be a maximum of 14 weeks and would have been longer if we hadn't had issued an ultimatum. At the start of the build Chris went off on a three week holiday and left his plasterer in charge. He used unknown brickies who were incompetent and made mistakes on the footings. Rather than halt the job Chris gave his plasterer the go ahead to continue. The outside wall was rectified to a satisfactory standard however the wall is not completely straight. This might explain why the floor tiles in the bathroom, kitchen and lobby run at a slant. The outside bathroom stud wall is also slightly slanted. The architect did not give clear instructions for the bathroom walls.However even though Chris having 40 years of experience and aware of the British Gypsum recommendations for wet areas happily used plasterboard as he said he has been using this in bathrooms for years. Building Regulations told me that this is minimum standards rather than best practice. Although the quote and contract stated that we should have 4 panel doors Chris put on 6 panel doors (which he told us cost £12 each)and then tried to blame us saying we wanted to change our doors throughout the house. He did change the doors to 4 panels but cracked the side of one of the doors whilst putting in the lock.We had to fight to get a guarantee for the underfloor heating and we only got the certificate for the electrics because I contacted the council and found out that they would inspect the works and issue a certificate for a fee which I said I would pass on to the builder. We did get our certificate after this but have not yet been given our guaratee for the windows and back door. These are just a few of the problems we encountered. We hired C H Builders as they were recommended to us but unfortunately I cannot recommend this builder. We are doing work to the main part and outside of our house now but are employing other tradespeople. Anyone know a good builder? lol!

Brenda Roff - 24/03/2012 | report this review