Choosing a Builder
This page contains advice on choosing builders,
structural engineers energy assessors and acoustic consultants who
commonly work in the North Worcestershire area.
It is not appropriate for a Council to formally recommend
builders or advisors however there are organisations or Government
schemes which will assist.
The Federation of Master Builders will be able to provide you
with a list of member companies within the local area, telephone
020 7242
7583.
Government back schemes may also be able to assist on http://www.trustmark.org.uk
http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/
Surveyors or Architects can be found at http://www.rics.org/ or
http://www.architecture.com/
General Advice When Engaging a Builder:
- Detailed plans and specifications should ideally be prepared
prior to commencing any building work. Seek advice from
professionals.
- 3 Quotes minimum should be obtained.
- References from family/friends who have had work carried out
can be of benefit.
- It may help to see other similar jobs carried out by the
contactor.
- Take advice on contracts and payments – make sure you know what
you are getting for your money, when and how much you will be
paying.
- Ensure you know what arrangements are in place if the scope of
the works change or problems are found on site. Someone will need
to pay for extra works, is this you or the contractor?
Acoustic Consultants:
The Building Regulations place a duty on applicants to carry out
post construction sound testing of certain types of development.
This includes some new build housing, flats and conversions.
The duty is on the applicant to engage a suitably qualified
acoustician to carry out the testing and present the results to
Building Control.
The following page provides information on acoustic
consultants working in the local area:
Association of Noise
Consultants (ANC)
Energy assessors:
The Building Regulations place a duty on applicants to submit
thermal calculations for certain types of development. This
includes new build housing and flats, new build non-residential
buildings and large extensions to non-residential buildings.
An air-pressure test may also be required for these types of
development.
The duty is on the applicant to engage a suitably qualified
person to carry out the assessment and present these to Building
Control.
There are many energy assessors to choose from at :
http://www.nesltd.co.uk/find-an-assessor
The following link is to LABC's (Local Authority Building
Control) partner organisation for domestic and commercial
energy assessments and EPC's (Energy Performance
Certificates)
http://www.elmhurstenergy.co.uk/
Structural Engineers:
Local Structural engineers can be found at: http://www.istructe.org/Pages/default.aspx
