Builders and decorators
March 2008
Spring is when many people declutter their home and spruce it up. It’s also a good time to start planning a building or decorating project, as the days get longer and the weather gets drier and warmer
We’ve all heard the stories about there being some cowboy builders and decorators in the market, but there are many reputable tradespeople out there, so do your research before you select a contractor to do the work.
Finding a supplier or tradesperson
Make sure companies or individuals you deal with are well established. If you are dealing with a company, check that the company is registered with the Companies Registration Office (LoCall 1890 220 226).
Try to check their track record and ask for references from previous clients. Call the clients to verify references and, if possible, visit them to see the work that was done.
Quotes and estimates
Shop around for quotations (quotes) and bear in mind the important difference between a quote and an estimate:
- An estimate is a educated guess with no legal standing, and the price could go up during the job
- A written quote is binding as long as you don’t make changes to the job's requirements. Look for as much detail as possible in the quote
Minor changes to the work might be permissible without incurring an increase in the cost if you can agree these with the contractor. However, substantial changes or changes asked for late in the day will more than likely mean the job will be dearer.
You should always check with your contractor what the cost implications of any change would be before you give them the green light.
Get your quote in writing either by letter or fax, with the name and address of the contractor printed on it. . Ideally you should also get a landline number to contact them. Keep all written documentation and contact numbers carefully.
Make sure the quote covers:
- All work to be done
- Start and finish dates
- Details of equipment and materials to be used
- Total cost – including VAT
- Arrangement and schedule for payment
- Details of any guarantee for the work
Be wary of paying large deposits in case the operator goes out of business, and get a receipt for any deposit paid. All work should be completed satisfactorily before you make the final payment.
Get a guarantee
If the job turns out to be unsatisfactory or the service isn't provided properly, you are entitled to redress. For example, if a newly installed window begins leaking, and the company that installed it refuses to repair or replace it, you are entitled under consumer law to have the problem rectified, or to get a refund.
In addition, before starting the job you should ask the contractor for a detailed, written guarantee. This should state that the contractor will fix any problems arising for a specific time after the work has been completed.
Many goods or materials provided also come with a manufacturer’s guarantee, so make sure to get the relevant documentation from the builder or service provider during the job.
During the job
Keep all the paperwork generated during the job including copies of any correspondence you send to or receive from the contractor – get signed receipts for all payments made and keep all invoices and receipts.
Be wary of being asked for the cost of buying materials in advance, or of being charged additional expenses – if you have agreed a price beforehand, no additional costs should arise.
Any truly unexpected costs or expenses should be agreed in writing before extra work starts, and you should get a receipt for any extra materials you have to pay for.
When the work is finished
Always make sure:
- That the work has been carried out properly
- To pay promptly if the work is satisfactory
- To pay the business itself, not the trader or builder as an individual
Disputes
If a contractor has not done work properly, make a direct complaint to them immediately and ask them to repair the work, replace it or refund you. Refer to any guarantee you got to support your request for a repair, replacement or refund.
If they will not fix it or refund you, you could take a legal action. The Small Claims Court deals with disputes where the value of the work is less than €2,000.
Learn more
Read our consumer guide about your rights for building and repairs
Find out more about the Small Claims Court