Question 1

Can you supply an estimate or "ball park figure" for building works?"

Accepted Answer

For some simple works yes, but for extensions, loft or garage conversions, kitchens and sometimes bathrooms we really need scale drawings, material specifications and structural calculations.  Usually these would come from your architect or designer.  Ball park figures are notoriously unreliable, so - like any good builder, we insist on having this information for input into our pricing software which enables us to produce a really accurate, fully itemised quote, based on actual material and labour prices.

Question 2

What do you need to get a quote for building work?

Accepted Answer

For building works such as an extension, loft conversion or garage conversion, to produce an accurate quote, we need copies of the properly scaled plans, technical specifications and structural calculations typically drawn up by your architect and his team.  These specifications are essential because they tell us in detail what materials are required and how they are put together.  We put this information into our pricing software which enables us to produce a really accurate, fully itemised quote, based on actual material and labour prices.

Question 3

Is your building work guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

All our work is guaranteed for at least 12 months and includes any materials that we supply and fit as part of your construction or refurbishment project.   Alternatively an Extended Warranty can be purchased through the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) whose Insurance backed guarantees are specifically designed to give you complete peace of mind before, during and after construction.  Domestic and Commercial warranties offer cover for a wide range of projects, including; porches, internal alterations, loft conversions, extensions and much more.

Question 4

Do you provide a contract for building work?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we provide a contract detailing all the work to be done with prices and detailed terms and conditions with building terms explained in plain English.

Question 5

Are you a full service building company?

Accepted Answer

A.D. Wedgwood provide a complete service including design, groundworks, building, roofing, plumbing and electrics, kitchen and bathroom fitting, plastering, decorating and tiling, landscaping and driveways.

Question 6

Are you members of the Federation of Master Builders?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Master Builders are professionally vetted and independently inspected.  Our trading history, credit history, public liability and employer’s liability insurance has been vetted and our building work has been independently inspected by the BBA. 
 
BBA stands for British Board of Agrément and is a certification within the construction industry, indicating a high quality, experienced and reliable company or product.   
 
A.D Wedgwood are professional, reputable builders and regularly exceed the standards required by the FMB Code of Conduct, which includes providing written quotes and contracts, complying with health and safety regulations, upholding standards, maintaining regular communication with clients, ensuring guarantees, warranties and certificates are passed on, and leaving a home clean and tidy with waste properly disposed of.

Question 7

How do I find a qualified builder?

Accepted Answer

The Federation of Master Builders is a good place to start.  FMB members are required to pass a strict vetting and independent inspection process before joining to ensure they meet the high standards of a Master Builder.

Question 8

How much does it cost to hire a builder?

Accepted Answer

The cost of hiring a builder will vary according to your individual circumstances.   For early budget setting purposes - My Builder has a useful guide here   When it comes to getting an actual quote, choose a builder who visits you on site, conducts a thorough assessment, and uses specialist pricing software to produce a quote where the latest material prices are set out itemised in detail.

Question 9

What is the Trustmark scheme and are you members?

Accepted Answer

TrustMark is the Government Endorsed Quality Scheme covering building, home renovation and home improvement work a customer chooses to have carried out.
 
A TrustMark Registered Business, has been thoroughly vetted and is committed to good customer service, technical competence and trading practices.
 
A.D Wedgwood are trusted local builders in Datchet, however - in the unlikely event that a problem does arise, TrustMark offers a range of remedies to give further protection to consumers.

Question 10

How do I find a reliable builder?

Accepted Answer

Just a little local research can help you find a reliable builder in your area.
Make a shortlist from Google.
Shortlist members of a professional body such as the Federation of Master Builders (remember to verify their membership via the FMB website)
Ask around about the builders on your shortlist - your architect, local tradesman you know, friends etc.  
Look at your builders website - is it up to date with recent examples of their work?
Meet your chosen builder - if you get on well, ask if they can arrange for you to speak to their most recent customers.

Question 11

What to ask a builder when getting a quote?

Accepted Answer

First of all - ask some basics - that you can verify:
How long have you been in business?
Do they have a permanent local base?
Can you arrange for me to speak to your last 2 or 3 customers?
 
Ask About Pricing
1. Is the price an estimate or a quotation?
2. When are payments due, and how can they be made?
3. Will you provide a detailed, itemised quotation with everything included and no hidden costs - including the proper disposal of waste materials?

Ask about the timing of works
1. When can you start?
2. How long will the job take and what are the key steps along the way?
3. Will they provide a schedule?
4. Will they commit to your job, and only your job until it is completed?
 
Ask about their standards
1. Are they member of a trade body?
2. Do they have full liability insurance?
3. What can they do to minimise disruption? For example
 - Is the site cleaned up at the end of every day? 
 - Can I keep my toilet, shower and cooking facilities working? 
 - What steps can they take to make sure things don't get damaged?
 
Dealing with unforseen problems.
What contingency would they recommend for potential issues?
Do they anticipate any problems or possible cost overruns?
What happens when an unforeseen problem arises?

FAQ's about A.D. Wedgwood

Professional and Reliable Builders

Datchet, Slough, Berkshire