Loft conversion - How not to do it

[blasted]

For some time I have been considering taking on a loft conversion, that is, I plan to undertake most of the work myself. As part of the research and also being easily distracted at work, I often search the net for other loft conversion stories. I found a good blog compiled by someone who had the misfortune to employ what can only be described as cowboys. I think its well worth reading through. Not all builders are bad, but there are enough out there prepared to take advantage. Sorry for the lack of AV, but if it helps someone not get ripped off, then its worth it.

clicky

[alexhodge1234]

Just read through all that. Took me bout 2 hours-ish. And i skipped some bits.
But was very interesting.
The final result does look good though.

I'd hate to go through all that hassle :\

[blasted]

Hopefully it goes some way to encourage people having work undertaken to check for it for themselves, and not assume the word of the builder or even the Building Control Officer as being gospel. People often get bullied into paying large sums of money to contractors in advance for work that is incorrectly carried out and at worse dangerous. There are enough TV programmes based on them.

The lesson learnt is to be aware of your legal rights, look for properly qualified and recommended builders and don’t be afraid to involve the local building inspectors, they will help and advise where possible.

[Magslad]

Interesting read, show's the importance of planning everything properly upfront.

Makes my loft extension seem like a breeze compared to that

[Jamo218]

Same goes for basement conversions, 90% of it is done by builders with little understanding of what they're doing.

[deansocial]

the problem is that tv make builders look bad(yeh thats rite im a builder) The arse of a customer that wants to constantly cut costs and have the job done to a low spec with shoddy materials is never shown on tv and they are 10 a penny. I didnt look at the link but will in a moment

[deansocial]

im sorry to say but it is quite obvious that early on in the job things where not being done corretly so why the hell did he let them carry on.

[blasted]

I posted the article to show people that things sometimes go bad. They should have stopped the job immediatly, no question. Not all people however are brave enough to do that.

There are as many bad customers as there are bad builders, six of one and half a dozen of the other. What I have never been able to accept though, is people who abuse their positions, not just builders, but police, doctors, accountants, the list is endless.

Im not a builder, but I am an engineer and in all the work I undertake I ask myself " if this were my own project, would I accept it?"

Good builders are worth thier weight in gold.

[deansocial]

Originally Posted by blasted

I posted the article to show people that things sometimes go bad. They should have stopped the job immediatly, no question. Not all people however are brave enough to do that.

There are as many bad customers as there are bad builders, six of one and half a dozen of the other. What I have never been able to accept though, is people who abuse their positions, not just builders, but police, doctors, accountants, the list is endless.

Im not a builder, but I am an engineer and in all the work I undertake I ask myself " if this were my own project, would I accept it?"

Good builders are worth thier weight in gold.

this recession will see more corners cut than before due to customers wanting cheapest prices etc. I am lucky as sub to a company that only does thinks right and if they dont i speak up as they dont know everything and likewise neither do i

[gokhan]

just proves check references and stager payments whilst having a schedule of works agreed in a signed contract, but was a brilliant read and very enlighting