Cowboy builders.

garinda · 30-01-2006, 13:06

It's been announced that there is only a 70% chance that the new Wembley stadium will be finished on time for May when it is supposed to be used for the Cup Final.

This doesn't bode well for the Olympics.

Has anybody had any building work done that was finished on time?

faoai · 30-01-2006, 13:31

I've never had any building work done.

Where did you hear about Wembley Stadium running late? I'm going in September, so I hope it will be finished by then!

garinda · 30-01-2006, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by faoai

I've never had any building work done.

Where did you hear about Wembley Stadium running late? I'm going in September, so I hope it will be finished by then!

It was on the news. Apparently if it's late the financial penalties the Ausralian building company will incurr will bankrupt them, making finishing the job even harder.

faoai · 30-01-2006, 13:41

Thanks for that. I'll make sure I watch the news tonight.

Margaret Pilkington · 30-01-2006, 15:33

I had my roof re-tiled last year......the guys who did my work were exemplary.
They arrived on the day they said they would....they told me the work would take a week (weather permitting) and they actually finished in 3 days. I was very impressed.

Madhatter · 30-01-2006, 16:54

Our council kitchen and bathroom has so far took 3 weeks and this is the fourth. It was more or less finished at the end of the first week, but as soon as they move on to the other flats they loose interest in the finishing it. I get the distinct impresion that they think they've finished it now, but quality of workman ship leaves a lot to be desired. The company fhm kitchens say its perfect and nothing wrong with it, I have photo's that say not only is it not finished, not very good quality, not what I was told we could have but also dangerous. for example the kitchen sink water feed pipes have been bonded together properly, the sink just has the earth wire held on by a wood screw, not tight just loose, and no electrical tests have so far been done whatsover.

Neil · 30-01-2006, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

..they told me the work would take a week (weather permitting) and they actually finished in 3 days...

Seeing as they finished 2 days early did they charge you less money? After all the labour charge will be a big percentage of the overall job.

Margaret Pilkington · 30-01-2006, 20:26

We did negotiate a discount Neil....as they were free to move on to another job they couldn't really argue.

Neil · 30-01-2006, 20:31

You are a cool customer Margaert. If I had been them I might have explained I had put more men on the job than first intended so the man hours worked out the same

Sara · 30-01-2006, 20:42

Can't remember a tradesman turning up on time never mind finishing on time.

Madhatter · 30-01-2006, 20:45

Ah I never turn up on time, never leave on time spend loads of time talking and drinking tea, but then I'm paid per job when i do that so thats my loss

Margaret Pilkington · 30-01-2006, 21:14

No Neil, the guy worked with just a young lad who looked like he was learning the job and being a general go'fer...so no extra men.....no extra money. I was very pleased with the work that they did and the price was very competitive. They quoted £1500......but actually did the work for £1200.
We had been quoted up to £2,500 by other builders......he did 3 houses in our street after folk saw what a good job he did. Maybe I should have asked for commission eh?

Madhatter · 30-01-2006, 21:17

Just make tea

vitty · 31-01-2006, 00:20

I did a brief story today for the Observer about the Government launching a Trustmark scheme, where companies are inspected and if they're good they get the award.

It's been tried before (the Quality Mark) and failed, but we'll see.

In the mean time, there is always Homewise, on Whalley Road, which recommends contractors, will inspect the work when it's done and liaise with disputes. It's a great - and free - local service.

Interestingly enough on the Wembley issue - Radio 4's pm show played an interview recorded last year of the contractor's chief executive saying something like

"I can absolutely 100 per cent guarantee the stadium will be ope on cup final day and I will definitely be here in my seat and nowhere else."

Madhatter · 31-01-2006, 01:38

yes I got invites to join the Quality mark and this new thing and heat electric, niceic, guild of master craftsmen, im supposed to get part p approved. theres some rubbish by british gas too. It's nice of them to offer nice easy ways for cowboys to get official approval