I have a couple of builders for a 10k ish job. One will offer a contract as part of their SOP. The other seemingly isn't.
According to Fair Trading, it's necessary?
I wasn't aware of this when I did another expensive job (aircon) but I haven't had any serious issues with them which might need a contract.
Should I be pushing for a contract for the other builder?
Thanks!
/thread
Should I be pushing for a contract for the other builder?
Yes
Contracts are to protect you when things go wrong.
1) What will the payment terms be?
2) Under what conditions can the price of the works change?
3) How long is warranty?
4) What is the detailed scope of work? Things like - what state to leave the property (is rubbish to be taken away or just left there). For air con work; who is responsible for fixing the plasterboard if they cut out pieces to get the pipes in?
Above is just some of the examples of things that should be clearly covered in a contract. Without one; it is just a mishmash of emails and verbal comments that become he said / she said.
You need some form of contract, for most small jobs this is will likely just be "standard terms and conditions" which is usually going to be ok. If they are not offering anything contract/terms I would be very wary.
If it is a residential building work job over the threshold the builder must use an appropriate contract.
Any builder who is not doing so is not someone you want to work with.
Use the one that offers you the written contract.