Our goal is always to find an amicable solution through open discussion and by referring to the project specifications and contracts. In most cases, the Contract Administrator, who is employed by the client to ensure the contract is adhered to by both parties and to formulate judgements based on fairness and impartiality. This collaborative approach between all parties often leads to the quickest and most satisfying resolution. In the unlikely event that an agreement cannot be reached informally, we have established procedures for formal dispute resolution. This may involve mediation or adjudication by a neutral third party, as outlined in our contract. Please refer to our Complaint Resolution Statement in our Policies.

Absolutely! We are a fully qualified and experienced building company registered with the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) and JIB (Joint Industry Board). We hold comprehensive insurance coverage large enough to cover the value of a project and bonding to protect you and your project if you require it. We’d be happy to provide copies of our qualifications, certificates of insurance, and bonding information for your review if you require.

We prefer to work with your architect, as they can be a valuable asset for your residential project. They can help you turn your vision into a reality, navigate planning regulations, and ensure optimal space utilization. Most importantly, they provide Contract Administration and quality of work checks, which would be invaluable to a residential client and ourselves, avoiding disputes between parties. These projects can involve considerable sums of money, and, typically, it would make no sense for a client to attempt to manage such a project without the necessary knowledge to do so.

This is always an issue, but you can start by asking around your friends and relatives to see if they have had similar work done and what their experience was. You can also check on the web for local contractors and then visit their websites to see if they show examples of similar work, if they look professional, or visit their offices. Accreditations are always a useful indicator; look out for Health and Safety accreditations; you wouldn’t like to employ a company with poor safety standards. ISO 9001 is an industry-recognised office management accreditation that is audited externally to show that a company is managing its office to a high standard of competency. Is the builder/company accessible? Do you know where he lives or where the office is, and is the contact detail easily contactable and local? Is the builder/company fully insured for damage to your property or persons whilst carrying out the work?

We would suggest you select no more than three companies of similar size and send them any drawings (you typically need an architect to help you with these) along with a covering letter requesting a quotation. Include in this letter any specific requirements you may have, i.e., with or without decorations, the extent of wall tiling, with or without a fitted kitchen, etc. Also include a date for when you would like the quotation returned (usually 3 to 4 weeks at a minimum is reasonable) and a rough commencement date if you have one in mind.

The builders should, on receipt of the drawings, contact you to arrange to visit the property and take a look at what is being proposed and chat with you about the process. For example, will you remain in residence or are you moving out for a period?

Before work begins, it’s crucial to have a pre-contract meeting with your chosen builder. During this meeting, the builder should present their proposed Programme of Works. Carefully review this document to ensure it aligns with your needs and timeline, especially if you plan to stay in the property during construction.

A formal written contract is essential. This contract should outline the scope of work, timelines, costs, and other important details. Ideally, an impartial third party, such as an architect, should administer the contract. They can also advise on the most suitable contract type for your specific project. In addition to the contract, you will need someone impartial to administer said contract (usually your architect). Your architect will also be able to advise you which contract you require. In some cases, we find the client does not wish to spend their money on this service; they prefer to spend it on the bricks and mortar. In these cases, it would be unlikely that P.A. Hollingworth & Co. would enter into any form of contract with you.

While a handshake agreement might seem informal, it can be a valuable starting point. However, for more complex projects or where significant financial investments are involved, a formal contract is highly recommended. P.A. Hollingworth & Co. typically requires a contract to ensure a smooth and legally sound process.

During construction, your builder should strictly adhere to the approved drawings and specifications. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances, changes requested by you, or requirements imposed by building control, the original quoted price should remain fixed.

If any changes are necessary, whether due to unforeseen issues, building control requirements, or your requests, your builder should provide a written estimate of the additional costs or savings involved. You should carefully review these proposals and consult with your Contract Administrator before approving any changes.

It is important to pay for work in arrears. Avoid making upfront payments unless explicitly agreed upon in the contract and agreeable to both parties. Your builder should provide regular valuations of completed work, including any additional costs incurred due to changes or variations. This will allow you to monitor project expenses and prevent surprises at the end of the project.

Regular Building Control Inspections:

Your builder should schedule frequent inspections with the local authority Building Control Officer (BCO) at key stages of construction. Once the BCO approves the completed work, you’ll receive a crucial Completion Certificate. This document is essential to keep safe, as it will be required when you sell your property. Your architect and Contract Administrator will also monitor progress and quality throughout the project.

Essential Certifications:

To obtain the Completion Certificate, your builder must provide you and the local authority with specific certifications. These include an Electrical Installation Certificate such as those from a NICEIC-approved electrician and a Gas Safe Certificate from a registered installer if any gas equipment has been installed or altered.

Final Account and Retention:

Once all necessary paperwork is in order, including the Completion Certificate and relevant certifications, you can settle the builder’s final account with the help of your Contract Administrator. In some cases, a small percentage of the total cost (typically 2.5%) may be retained as a guarantee for a certain period. This retention is released once any post-completion issues have been resolved. Even without a formal retention, reputable builders will usually address any minor problems that arise within a reasonable timeframe, free of charge.

In most cases, an extension to your home is considered to be permitted development; it therefore does not require an application for planning permission, subject to some conditions. To find out more about these conditions or if you do need planning permission, go to: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/extensions

Building Regulations are to be followed by builders and developers to ensure that certain codes and standards are followed to establish a finished project that is both long-lasting and safe for occupation for many years to come.

Yes, most extensions of properties require approval under the Building Regulations, and if you attempt to sell a property that has been extended without this approval, you will find yourself bogged down in retrospective and often costly applications to correct this oversight.

There are, however, a number of classes of new buildings or extensions of existing buildings that do not need Building Regulations approval and are exempt from the regulations. To find out more, visit https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/building-regulations/exemptions-from-building-regulations

Once you have established if you need local authority Planning and/or Building Control approval, you will need to employ the services of an architect. If you don’t know who to use, contact us at our offices, and we can give you the contact details of several from which you can choose. As with all things, some are better than others! Plans will be required to enable builders to provide quotations for your project, and the more detailed the drawings, the better and more accurate the quotations. The drawings relating to the Building Control approval will carry the information needed to provide a quotation, and the detail can also include your specific requirements, such as electrics or fittings.

As already stated, the best advice anyone can give you would be to retain your chosen architect to manage and administer the contract and to run the project on site as your representative. You are probably investing a reasonably large amount of money, and it would be false economy to suggest that you are capable of doing this yourselves as clients unless you have experience of contractual law and quality of work within this industry. Most cases of dispute arise out of clients and contractors disagreeing over cost, quality, or both. A Contract Administrator is there to avoid these disputes, and P.A. Hollingworth & Co. is unlikely to enter into a contract with any client if they have not retained the use of a person qualified and capable of managing a construction contract. We take this view to avoid conflict.