Loft Conversions London: Tips On Finding A Builder

London Loft conversions are an increasingly popular way for homeowners to expand

the useable space within their house without going through all of the hassle and expense of moving. There are hundreds of builders and loft conversion companies offering their services within London. How should you select a company to build your loft conversion in London whilst avoiding the cowboys and rogue traders?

Researching companies thoroughly online is always a good place to start. Websites are often a way of narrowing down your choice by finding companies that undertakes work in your area. Alternatively, if you have seen a company working regularly in your area then it can be a good sign that they are getting recommendations and repeat business from customers. If any of your friends or neighbours have had loft conversions in London then you should ask them what they thought of the company they used. Sometimes they will be able to recommend a good company or at least tell you who to avoid!

You should draw up a shortlist of around five London loft conversion companies from whom you would like to get a quote. Give each company a call and see how quickly and efficiently they deal with your enquiry. If you can only get through to an answering service during office hours then it is usually a sign that the customer service is not up to standard.

Organisations such as the National Federation of Builders (NFB) offer consumers helpful guidance on how to choose a London loft conversion company. These are available from their website but some of the key points are given below:

1. You should ask each company to provide at least two or three references. Speak to the people who provided the references, or better still visit them, and find out how happy they were with the quality of the workmanship and the company's conduct;

2. Avoid a 'VAT-free' cash deal as you will not have a valid contract if there is no proof of payment;

3. Ensure that you are provided with a clear written quotation detailing what work is included and what is excluded. It will help you to plan your budget and know where you stand;

4. Be straight about money with the company and agree payment terms clearly in writing;

5. Ask if the company is insured against claims covering property damage and personal liability in the case of accident or injury. If the company is producing drawings, structural designs, or providing project management services then they should also have professional indemnity insurance.

You should check that the loft conversion company has a complaints handling procedure and what options are open to you if things do go wrong. Ultimately for most people the choice of which company to use will be based on a combination of cost, specification, and trust in the company. The cheapest quotation may not always offer the best value as hidden extras, sub-standard workmanship or products, and a lack of project management may cause the short and long term costs of your loft conversion in London to increase significantly.

by: James Gold

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