Calling All Reliable Tradespeople

We are constantly looking to add reliable businesses to our list of recommended contractors. There are 3 situations in which we recommend contractors to clients:

To undertake work flagged up in a survey – we will often find defects while undertaking Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys. Typical defects would include broken roofing tiles, defective flashings, eroded pointing, rotten windows or defective guttering. In addition it is often necessary to recommend specialist reports where a surface inspection has suggested that defects are likely to be present, these may include the electrical installation, the central heating system, damp-proofing issues and timber defects.

To repair damage caused by party wall works – we deal with over 100 party wall matters a year so it is inevitable that damage will be caused to adjoining properties in some instances. It is the appointed surveyor’s duty to deal with that damage. Where the Adjoining Owner requests compensation we look to local builders to provide estimates to help us agree a figure. In many cases the Adjoining Owner goes on to use the contractor that we recommend. The most common repairs required following party wall work include plastering, decorating and tiling.

Property management – in conjunction with our dedicated property managers, Rushbrook & Rathbone, we  manage a large portfolio of property in the local area and always require the assistance of local tradespeople. The most common problems tend to relate to central heating and hot water but we also require electricians, carpenters, gardeners and cleaners.

Any business owner applying to join our list of recommended contractors should :

• Be reliable. I know from the years I spent running a Building Business how hard it is to organise work that is constantly being changed by clients but that is no excuse for not keeping future clients informed of changes to timing.
• Be able to provide detailed written estimates for work.
• Have at least 2 recent references from satisfied clients.

If you are interested in being added to our list of recommended contractor please send details of your business and references to surveying@peterbarry.co.uk for the attention of Bradley McKenzie MSc MFPWS or by post to 946 Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, London N21 2LL.