Don’t Get Ripped Off

scamWith materials prices rising all of time, ensuring that they are properly installed is becoming more and more important.

Please read through our advice carefully as a few minutes spent here could save you thousands of pounds and a lot of stress.

Frustratingly we are very often asked to rectify poor workmanship, sometimes on jobs that we had tendered for but were not employed to carry out, usually because our price was higher or our lead time was too long however there is usually a good reason for this; 

1) We are not the cheapest because we do the job properly using fully trained and experienced employed staff and quality materials, we cannot compete with installers using substandard materials and unskilled labour.

2) We have a lead time because we are in demand due to having a good reputation, anybody that can start immediately is in that position because they do not have any other work to do, have a think about why this may be.

Often with poorly installed paving (particularly driveways where paving is load-bearing), it is necessary to remove the entire paved surface in order to replace inadequate sub bases or drainage and then the original paving will then need be reinstated. This is far more labour intensive and costly than having it done properly in the first place.

Quality is never cheap but is a worthy and safe investment in your home

Here are a few tips that you can use when you are selecting a contractor:

Contractor check list

  • Be very wary of contractors that approach you especially at your front door, most companies using this sales approach are rogues that adopt a high pressure sales technique,often targeting elderly and vulnerable homeowners. A reputable contractor will never call at your door, they will only come to you only when invited to do so by appointment.
  • Visit jobs that the contractor has completed, don’t just look at photographs or take the fact that they have offered references to you, the companies and individuals that aim to rip you off will have an excellent story.
  • Check the public liability cover that they have, make sure it covers use of plant machinery, damage to underground services and cables. Do not take their word for it, ask to see the certificate.
  • Be very cautious if the contractor offers you a cash price, you will have no receipt and no protection, and you already know that the contractors is happy to break the rules.
  • Look for contractors that are members of trade associations but don’t assume that this is the route to a good contractor, schemes that regularly assess workmanship like the Marshall register are better. Ask to see proof of membership and get it verified by the issuer.
  • Make sure that you request a written quotation, this should detail every aspect of the work and how it will be carried out, compare this specification to other quotes that you receive paying particular attention to sub base specification and paving material.
  • Ask lots of questions about how long it will take and what materials are required, this will help you to understand how carefully they have calculated your quote, a well prepared contractor will be happy to share that information with you.
  • Trust your instinct, if it looks to good to be true it probably is and if they are not happy to answer your questions they probably don’t know the answer.
  • Visit or verify the contractors address and telephone numbers, freephone and mobile numbers are often used by rogues as they are more difficult to trace or link to an address

Stannard Construction can offer you peace of mind by providing evidence of the following:

  • VAT registered

  • Fully insured with industry specific liability cover

  • Payment only due on satisfactory completion (no deposits necessary)

  • Manufacturer backed guarantees on all installations (covering materials and workmanship)

  • References to contact and site addresses to view

  • Free detailed specification and quotation in writing

  • Members of the Marshalls register of accredited landscape contractors
  • Members of the Brett approved installer scheme
  • Members of the Natural paving approved installer network
  • Tobermore paving approved contractors
  • Members on Interlay, the independent association of paving contractors
  • VAT registered
  • Fully insured with industry specific liability cover
  • Payment only due on satisfactory completion (no deposits necessary)
  • Manufacturer backed guarantees on all installations (covering materials and workmanship)
  • References to contact and site addresses to view
  • Free detailed specification and quotation in writing