Why did we fire our builders?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Download our build budget, plans and more on the Member Zone: members.gosforthhandyman.com/ 👍 Also here's part 2 - how to find a good builder! Enjoy... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ-QnJaIm9eDeck

[@richardlewis5316]

Not sure which is 'best'. A builder who does a job but does it badly or a builder who takes a deposit and disappears. I took over a project from the latter case.

[@raminybhatti5740]

From my experience as a young-ish guy who fell into DIY and woodworking after seeing the behaviour of builders in the UK, the best way to describe their ethos is to rush, bodge, and run. It's ALWAYS about the next job, never focusing on the current one. I don't mind paying top dollar for a top job (especially since i learned how hard it is to do most of these jobs to a high level), but it's heartbreaking paying hard earned money for work that's on par or less than DIY work. It's not just a few bad apples; dodgy attitudes are widespread.

[@TC-V8]

I do most of my own DIY, 10 years ago we fitted a new gas hob in our new to us house, to do a proper job we got a 'professional' gas safe engineer to fit it safely! Well we have now gone induction hob, so I isolated the hob and was looking at how it was plumbed in when the copper pipe just pulled out the hob! The olive wasn't any where near tight! So for 10 years our gas hob fitted by a gas safe engineer was relying on a little putty!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup, it's a worrying state of affairs.

[@raminybhatti5740]

​@@TC-V8That's exactly the kind of thing to which I'm referring. For me I really enjoy the aesthetics side of things. Neatness, pride in the quality of the final finish, etc. I have NO issue with paying the top rate for that extra bit of quality. But none of these tradesmen care about anything like that. It's all hectic, bish-bash-bosh, "Now pay me!" 😅

[@tmmtmm]

In Australia it is no different. I do everything I can myself (including things I shouldn't be doing) because if I paid someone to do it there's a 70% chance they would cock it up and I'd end up having to redo it myself anyway.

[@TomTomTomTom538]

Exactly my experience. I got so sick of paying top money for DIY quality work I just ended up doing it myself.

[@Liverpool1ne]

Worst bit about this Andy is you are a well informed guy so if it can happen to you then it really can happen to anyone 😖

[@dannyboy9817]

My thoughts exactly.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! I dread to think what we would have ended up with if I hadn't intervened with on-site hand holding. 😬

[@jcoul1sc]

@@GosforthHandyman it would have been more interesting though of you had left him to it, making videos daily if what they are doing. I would put money on they would have done the work but with poor quality

[@LowreyContractorsUK]

As a builder now retired after 47 successful years. . The biggest problem is people hunt for the lowest price , and accept it . Also the “free quote “ is an insane way for anyone to operate and is unsustainable , hence mature builders move away from that type of business. It cost thousands of pounds to provide that “free” quote service . The professional builder won’t ever be the lowest price . My “free “ professional quote just got used to price check the lowest price cowboy who got the job. Many times we were asked to go in and sort out the mess, after the low price had trashed the site. Hence I stopped doing domestic building work within the first 10 years and moved into commercial building construction, where all parties are professional and understand each other’s requirements.

[@jcoul1sc]

@LowreyContractorsUK Mate gave up his business to take a janitor post in the hospital as he was sick of the work he was putting in and the way the UK construction industry works. Indeed government reaping that benefit with the high costs involved in hs2.

[@andyb3331]

As someone who has been in the building trade for over 30 years I can tell you now Andy the whole industry is awash with these Mickey Mouse builders - Lovely new vans all financed up to the max - literally - All the gear no idea!!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Indeed! That was another thing, he had properly sign-written vans. Looked the part! That's why I think he once genuinely cared but something went wrong.

[@jcoul1sc]

@@GosforthHandyman it's one of the most stressful industries or work to be in, especially site management

[@TheChipmunk2008]

As a domestic/commercial sparky, I have learned to AVOID jobs with a builder in charge, They never give you detailed information that the client has given them, we end up having to liase directly with the customers, who usually aren't impressed. They also like to book multiple trades into one area at a time... Plasterers and Sparkies don't get along at the BEST of times lol

[@sarahann530]

​@@GosforthHandyman So a sign on a van indicates quality

[@carpetmantis]

@TheChipmunk2008 happend to us today. Builder booked us in for the carpet install, when we got to site there were no car parks and the painters where in there painting still a week away from finishing.

[@dmac2573]

The standard of building in this country is quite shocking.

[@tlangdon12]

@@djstuc Robin really is a beacon of hope! He has really committed himself to producing high quality content, and I hope that his examples both of his work and his production values inspire other builders to demonstrate that there are good tradespeople.

[@garnhamr]

The problem with Robin and the likes are the costs. To do a job by the book, to the letter, costs way more than most people can afford. The times we are living in, everything is too expensive. @@djstuc

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup, and totally agree with Robin. Top bloke too. 👍

[@maxflight777]

Compared to Portugal, it’s pretty good !

[@Simonsimon-fy3hq]

New houses were built at the top end of our village. The timber they used for the roofing was all so flimsy looking.

[@DukeofDave]

Had a similar experience with my garden office. I did foundations and up the DPC, then got a builder in to do the brick and block work. After about 3 days of random time visits i went out with a spirit level and a square, it was miles out. 50mm out of plumb at 4 courses of thermalite high, i wasmt going to let them near the bricks if they couldnt even lay thermalite blocks. Paid them for what they had done and semt them packing. Knocked it all down and my dad and i didnit ourselves. Took about 9 months or weekends but is all done now!

[@kevocos]

The essential tools of the English builder are: Shorts, white trainers, suntan, sleeve tats, sharp haircut, loud radio. Then light a ciggie and he's ready to get work (by which I means sit down for a cuppa and a chat)

[@GosforthHandyman]

😂

[@gdfggggg]

There is some truth in your stereotype, but we’re not all like that 😂 we at least have a bac’n butty in between 😂

[@sarajoolae8197]

And a good pack of biscuits

[@edthompson9337]

The warning signs were there from the start. 1. Way cheaper than other quotes. 2. Available fairly quickly. 3. Schedule that just gave a date and payment amount, no actual detail of work that payment was for. 4. Public liability insurance details and other information asked for was not forth coming. It was always going to end badly!

[@frankryan2505]

First 2 aren't always true.this was my company for the first couple of years, I underpriced our first commercial job by about $100,000

[@edthompson9337]

@@frankryan2505 Put it with the other comments I made and it all looks dodgy from the start, poor judgement for employing the builder in the first place and now trying to milk it to get views on his channel. He would be better to use his experience to warn others how to spot the signs he clearly missed!

[@TonyRule]

Spot on.

[@giveitago8546]

@@edthompson9337 hindsight is wonderful, lots of people out there to rip you off and the building trade is full of them from my experience and a lot of others if you take 5 minutes to look at the various groups and videos online. It's been going on for years and perhaps you've not seen the devastation they can leave behind financially, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Blaming the victim though, good for you.

[@jackspendlove3147]

Couldn’t agree more, went to the cheapest quote by a long way, in the fastest availability, couldn’t put a quote or schedule of works together properly, all of the signs were there before any trade set foot on the property

[@johnboyginger]

Ah the old ‘got a funeral to go to’ along with ‘my van’s broken down’ golden oldies.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup! If he wasn't actually at a funeral then that's the lowest of the low. 😥

[@directresolution]

@@GosforthHandyman I would never be friends or family of a builder because the amount of 'visit someone in hospital' or 'got to go to a funeral' messages they send out people around them must be dropping like flies! If they are tired of you asking when they will get something done or if they are going to actually turn up on site today you'll get the 'death' or 'accident' message back, 99% of the time it's a lie (also sacked my builder and finishing myself)

[@prdprdprdprdprdel]

One of my favorites from a coworker was "I couldn't wake up my daughter for school, so I had to wait and take her there".. The type of guy who gets his monthly wage+quarterly bonus(really good money because we were on a big job then), doesn't show up for the next 14 days, then when he does asks you for a 20 because "they're about to cut off the power on his house"

[@megaman2016]

Watching this increased my blood pressure

[@GosforthHandyman]

Lol know the feeling!

[@hyperprotagonist]

Andy, I’m sorry you had to go through this. Watching this video sent shivers down my spine. Can’t help but feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t have the knowledge and insight as you do that are or have been through similar. Back in 2012 I’d planned to refurbish my parents property to make it accessible after my father was paralysed neck down from a car accident in 2011. Long story short, all parties involved knew exactly what they were dealing with, I ditched multiple architects and builders through incompetence and mismanagement. At one point my photoshop skills were being used as a guide, didn’t even have measurements like yours. I lost all faith and hit rock bottom having spent almost 50% of my budget on a job that had barely begun in the grand scheme of things. The only light at the end of the tunnel was an architect I’d built a website for 6 years prior, she stepped in and pointed me in the right direction after I reached out as a last resort. For obvious reasons, I couldn’t take shortcuts for this job and ended up with corporate builders. For what was supposed to be 90k and 6 months turned into 270k and 1.5 years. And no, my father knows nothing about it. It’s a burden I’ve carried for years but the lesson I learnt was I’d wish I had sought advice from people I knew first rather than letting builders take full control. I can’t help but think, how would I’ve known any better? You’re supposed to put trust in these people. Breaks my heart for those that are robbed blind every day.

[@PaulSmith-pr7pv]

Incredible

[@rd6864]

You're obviously a lot more patient and forgiving than I would have been. I'd have been withholding payments until they got their act together, but I guess then nothing would have happened. You have however done an amazing job of rescuing the project and achieved a stunning end result, not to mention honing your handyman skills and gaining an enthralled audience along the way.

[@GosforthHandyman]

It was very tempting, trouble is when you start withholding payments there's a real risk all work stops mid-build with all their $hite left on-site. I just wanted them done and out ASAP. Thank you!! 👍👍

[@WhiteDieselShed]

Yeah but the risk is having a demolition site for months/years whilst you go through the courts. Then the next builder turns up and wonders if your the problem and not the previous builder and walks away or inflates the prices.

[@johnw2758]

problem is it then becomes a vicious circle..........a builder I had once wanted some money for a particular week ( I paid him weekly) but had never shown his face that week...........never saw him again...........

[@janstetka1]

Impressed you're so calm about the whole thing. Membership renewed great content, keep it coming.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you!! I wasn't calm at the time. I had my angry face moving those blocks. 😂

[@Bobrogers99]

Because you're an honest and trustworthy person, you probably do business mostly with people like you. I'm surprised that you were so patient with this cowboy builder after seeing the sloppy way he kept the site and the casual way he dealt with his subcontractors! So different from the way you do things! There was no architect required for my retirement home 22 years ago. I had a trusted builder and I handed him my hand-drawn plan and said, "Make it so." And he did, with very few changes. I was onsite almost every day, and weekly he would hand me a list of all his bills and I would write him a check on the spot. He finished the project within the budget, and 22 years later there isn't a crack or a flaw that I can find.

[@GosforthHandyman]

That's lovely to hear Bob - there are some really amazing trades out there. A minority of really bad ones gives the good ones a bad name. 👍

[@TheCod3r]

I really do believe a good worker is hard to find these days. People just don't care any more. I'm glad you come through in the end

[@timgerk3262]

To be somewhat fair--a laborers wage is impossible to live on; they can't afford to care.

[@notch7139]

I work in construction and I know plenty of builders. tradesmen, often carpenters or brickies expand from just being on the tools to doing extensions where they are subbing out lots of the work….the problem with this is that the skills required are very different: rebuilding an extension requires project management skills, and managing people….something lots of tradesmen don’t possess. There is a spectrum from disorganised builders out of their depth to deliberate fraud….I think your builder was out of his depth and tried blagging his way through Disorganised builders often can’t manage the business properly, they underprice or make mistakes so gradually run out of working capital and then they start taking deposits on new jobs to finance finishing previous jobs

[@chrisw5829]

I'd agree with your statement, he was prob out of his depth, I'd also add that, he prob priced, then materials went up. I'm in construction and I know at that time it was a nightmare with shortages and things going up. 3 months quote to start job at that time was ludicrous

[@navmohindra579]

Thanks for sharing your story Andy, so much we can learn from it. I live in Slough and hired builders for a project in Telford. 160 minutes drive away. Turned out the boss was a cocaine addict, I had to rent a flat nearby to be on site everyday to be on top of the builders. Absolute nightmare as I struggled to find any other builders to replace them. I had no choice but to suck it up and just micro manage the existing team...I laugh when looking back, no idea where my drive came from 😂

[@timgerk3262]

Same in San Francisco. Any local remodel cos. are same (users), and the grinders coming in from 75 miles away have got to be (using).

[@Bluemart856]

That's exactly why I watch channels like this one, because I want to learn either how to do the job myself or understand if the builder is doing the job properly. Been burnt many times as well

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers!

[@protectiongeek]

I decided to improve the drainage in our back garden last year and did loads of research - especially on YT, which is how I found Andy’s channel. No one part of the work was particularly challenging, technically speaking, but on reflection, trying to get the job done _exactly_ the way I wanted with the precise specifications using a builder or landscaper would’ve been next to impossible. Even the most competent and fair trader would’ve had to charge a fortune for the work if they spent as much time on the small details that I did. That’s not to say that their expertise and knowledge couldn’t have improved the design and accelerated things a bit but, as a neighbour (who is, coincidentally, a builder) said - when you do it yourself, you take much, much longer to do a job but you get it done the way you want it done, every time. It did take me a very long time to get the job done but it has vastly improved our garden, which has dealt with all the heavy rain this last few months.

[@AJ-ds5gf]

When I first saw this video, I was thinking what everyone else was thinking, "if it happened to you, Andy, then the regular homeowner or DIYer is doomed" but by the end of the video I was thinking "mate, you fell for all the obvious signs of a cowboy" and it had less to do with your knowledge of the trades but more to do with your situation. We ignore red flags and put our blinders on when we're under pressure and our options are few and that's all this was. I've been in a similar situation with a builder doing two bathrooms for us, previous quotes were ridiculous, many didn't even show up to quote, I had tenants in the property and I needed the job doing asap.... along comes a reasonable quote and two lads who are keen to crack on. I ignore the obvious red flads like the quote being hand written on a peice of paper with no indication of VAT or itemised biling, wanting cash upfront, poorly constructed studwalls, misalgned tile work but I was in a tight spot and I thought I could babysit them if worse comes to worse given that I know exactly what goes into a bathroom remodal. In the end, their work was a mess and I had enough pointing out the obvious and told them to get lost over half way through. I learnt that no matter how bad it might seem in the moment or no matter how much pressure I'm in to get the job done, it's best to apologise to whoever I need to and delay the project until I find the right, competent builder because it can always get much, much worse.

[@joline2730]

AJ: Absolutement ‼️ I usually give them a couple of chances, after pointing out their bad work, then it's Bye-Bye. You can always find someone better and you can always find someone cheaper ... pressure comes when we are in a hurry ... 😏

[@redsworkshop75]

There's definitely a competency crisis, and an attitude one too. It seems like some tradesmen are so in demand they feel like they don't have to bother doing a good job. I'm a handyman myself and it's amazing how easy it is to impress customers by just doing the basics, like 'turning up when I said I would' or 'doing what was asked'. I'm no master craftsman by any means, but I've got an almost 1 month backlog of work despite doing no advertising at all for over a year. People just keep finding me anyway! FWIW, I don't think you were stupid here. You did your due diligence and the guys you picked were not just incompetent but actually fraudulent (the VAT issue proves that, he knew exactly what he was doing). Don't blame yourself for the duplicity of others.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! You'll get busier and busier. Once word spreads that you do a good job and actually turn up. 👍👍

[@dan44zzt231]

The problem is builders aren't designers or engineers. Expecting a builder to be in control of your project is crazy, very few people from trades background have the skills or knowledge to manage building work. Those that do either charge a whole lot or don't bother with small domestic work like extensions. Sometimes you come across a great general builder, usually small family firms who have been doing it forever.

[@johnw2758]

yep, turn up on time or even ring/text if you can't be there and you're halfway there...........

[@alanjohnson7374]

@@dan44zzt231 I his case he asked them to use their architect, they reiterated throughout the build. The problem wasn't project management it was incompetence and unprofessionalism.

[@noeleen5250]

We had an extension build a few years back, including bathroom/bedroom. We paid for the plans but paid nothing else until after the inspection. Our builder told us that's the way its supposed to be, Guess we were just very lucky.

[@regiondeltas]

I DIY built a small extension, a bit smaller than your studio with a proper pitch roof, and a kitchen and toilet. It was hard, really hard, and i dont think it was much cheaper in all but this video is basically why. With tragically few exception, im almost never all that happy with other peoples work especially given the cost. It's also within 5mm of all dimensions ;)

[@m4tthumphrey]

Wow. What a watch! I've been following you all the way through your renovation as we were planning one ourselves and this was probably my favourite video. As many others have said, I can't believe someone of your experience of DIY etc got done, let alone a layman. It really shows how scary this process is. Our builder has been amazing and I still have lost so much sleep over the last few months - I can only imagine how you were holding up! Thanks for the perspective and keep up the great content!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you! It was crazy stressful at the time. At that moment it hadn't even crossed our minds to do the extension as a self build. So glad we did!

[@c.a.g.1977]

Phew, what a story. almost incredible, if it weren't for all the footage and 'evidence' to back up your story! So glad it all worked out in the end and the extension and the garden studioroom are just awesome!

[@JohnGodwin]

The state of the building industry in this country is absolutely shameful. I am yet to meet someone, myself included, who hasn’t had a nightmare with an extension build. My sister is currently having an extension and she’s spent multiple days this month in floods of tears as communication has completely broken down due to massive errors made by their builders. I disagree with the “amazing builders” out there. They’re all booked up - the only ones available are the cowboys. Brilliant video. For me, the early communications would have been enough of a red flag for me to walk away. Edit: Christ, this is heartbreaking and frustrating. I really admire how stoic you are about it. Thank god you’re able to take control of this situation yourself.

[@barryharris6394]

I was hoping to have some form of extension done on my bungalow but after watching an experienced person like yourself get the problems you had I think i'll not bother now.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Wait for my tips vid. Lots of good trades out there. 👍👍

[@metallitech]

"tommoz" was a major red flag, lol.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Defo! 😂

[@planb1853]

I lad

[@edovansanten]

What a nightmare Andy. Glad it worked out fine in the end. Had some builder issues myself, now a 100% DIY-er. Enjoyed all of your videos.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud!

[@monicakristy4590]

So polite this gentleman is. Patience of a saint. I wish when I work I only had costumers like you, and you don't have to deal with hustlers in a 1st world. Why is it so hard to tell truth as an adult.

[@ResolutPanther]

Watching this is bringing back some pretty bad memories, we live in High Heaton and we experienced some very similar scenarios also 2 years ago. Our asbestos garage was left, rubbish everywhere (we did get a grab lorry eventually! but then there was a lot more left) We had every excuse (death in the family, van broken down bla bla bla) ended up terminating contract and doing a lot of the work ourselves with our good friend Tom at Tomswoodities. Thanks to your videos and many other youtubers we have just about finished. We have also heard a few more nightmare stories about other builders in the area.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Fantastic stuff - glad you're getting sorted!! Used to live in your neck of the woods. 👍

[@Richardincancale]

I had two building jobs done on my old house in Scotland. First was a complete remodel of a kitchen and downstairs bathroom into one big kitchen. The guy I used was always helpful, could always do this or that, had a mate who could do things he couldn’t do… bottom line took 3 months without a kitchen instead of 3 weeks and quality was poor. Later I added an extension, to be in same style as rest of the house. Got an architect - recommended by a friend, had plans agreed (first iteration out of budget, second OK), engineer approved the roof attachment to the main part. All trades under control of architect (for 15% markup). Project completed to spec, in time, good quality. So that’s one approach - outsource the project for 15% - well worth it.

[@dan44zzt231]

It is definitely the best option for most people unless very savvy or they have complete trust in their builder. Could also go via a Project Manager.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I've heard of a few projects managed by the architect that have gone very well. 👍

[@stuartjones2242]

Hi Andy, having done my own self build after having a nightmare with builders understanding build regs , costing materials and payment plans, I did it in stages with one group doing foundations and drainage , another doing walls , and another doing roof and a firm doing the windows , so glad I split it up like this , it took longer this way but piece of mind and full control over project 😃😃👍👍

[@mangoyacho]

@stuartjones2242 I like your idea of doing it in stages. I am going to try it out for our next building project. Thank you for sharing.

[@paulr9572]

Great video. Made me very happy that I built a an entire studio room and much of a kitchen / dining room extension myself. Used a builder for the foundations, masonry to wall plate level, and the solid floor. He was a (very good) brickie who worked for big builders during the week, and did his own projects evenings and weekends, and brought in top class tradesmen for the foundations and floor pour. Building inspector even complimented the standard of the work. Worked out at under £1000 per m2, but was pretty exhausting building and tiling a 32 m2 hipped roof in the middle of winter by myself, often working in the dark!

[@dan44zzt231]

My advice to anyone is to get a full set of drawings done first before anyone steps foot on site. People always think they need an Architect but you could just go directly to a Consulting Civil/Structural Engineers. Most small builders in my unfortunate experience as a Civil Engineer know absolutely nothing about building regulations. They best you can hope for is that they can read and follow a set of drawings, and often that's too damn complicated for them. Reputable main builders charge a lot as there's a whole lot of risk and liability to take.

[@GosforthHandyman]

All great suggestions!

[@gdfggggg]

I won’t even go near a job without detailed drawings and regs, and they have to be fully signed off by building control; regs change all the time.

[@protectiongeek]

I’m just starting to build a small workshop (only 3.5m x 2.5m) by myself and I ended up creating CAD drawings to keep myself right! Even with the simplest structure you can quickly get to the stage where just remembering all the key dimensions is asking for trouble once the tools come out. Drawings every time!

[@niccat7051]

I had the same issues some years ago! An old guy who pretended to be a builder agreed to build a garage on the side of my property. To cut a very long story short, he ordered some blocks from B&Q and tried to use my card number, the concrete for the slab was being delivered by a guy who was stealing from a big commercial build close by, he would turn up in a massive concrete mixer lorry at random times of the day and just dump it in the front garden! It wasn’t long before I sacked the “builder “ off but he then threatened to send his sons around,who he said were boxers to knock my head off!! I told him, when they arrive can I ask them to also knock the crap blocks down that he had stacked up 🤬🤬 Lesson Learned!!!

[@karlpopewoodcraft]

Your a gentleman Andy, understanding and patient was very beyond most. You have done an amazing job on your new home projects and it's been a pleasure watching. 😊

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud! Glad you've enjoyed it all - it's been a journey! 😂👍

[@jdpjamesp]

I'm stressed just listening to the story!! So glad you've got a glorious space in the end. We had an extension nightmare 10 or so years ago. The extension walls weren't built in line with the original walls so when we went to install the kitchen worktop there was a gap of about 2 inches at one end. That's probably the worst part for us, functionally. But the plasterer smoking in the house and starting to plaster over old wallpaper was a bit of a red flag at the time. My wife, alone in the house with 2 small kids had to confront him about it which wasn't pleasant at all.

[@jamesdcuk]

Had a similar experience, it’s hard to know it’s happening at the time but when you step back it becomes more obvious. Glad it worked out in the end

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Yup, it's a tricky predicament.

[@thebeardedone1225]

New subscriber, and construction company owner for fifty years, in Texas. It never ceases to amaze me how some builders can even tie their shoes, much less level and plumb a wall. I get on to my guys when I find a cigarette butt on the ground. Enjoying the content.

[@MK-yo4jn]

Thank you so much for this video Andy. The fear of getting the wrong builder is holding us back from doing our extension. Looking forward to your next video as well that’ll help me make a decision

[@ProserpinePomegranate]

Competency crisis is a lovely polite way of putting it. I'm not even going to begin to write down the horrors I've experienced due to builders,electricians,plumbers,window/door fitters etc here in the comments. I'm glad you've not done a name and shame,shows what a considerate,thoughtful gentleman you are.

[@colinmeredith7114]

Unfortunately, and sadly, we are living in a competency-challenged era...upvc is another area of challenge, but, then again, which trade isn't challenging for the consumer. Who do we trust..?? It's almost impossible.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I fear it will get worse too since there's fewer and fewer people to properly train younger folk. 😥

[@azza1793]

Never use a builder’s architect or anyone who they have connections with. The cowboy i used tried getting me to use their preferred Building Inspector however i used my own which resulted in them being kicked off site for trying to cut a lot of corners which didnt comply with Building Regs

[@AaaaandAction]

The cowboys over-order materials that you pay for and then move the un-used materials on to the next client who pays for them again. That’s why the initial delivery was in dribs and drabs. They haven’t the slightest interest in observing the planning, building regs and way-leaves because you’re liable not them. And of course they went bust …… this type of builder has a company for each job that they collapse after leaving.

[@protectiongeek]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[@andrewashton195]

We may have been lucky, but this is what we did for a full alteration of the middle floor of a 1970's town house, walls down, new kitchen, juliet balcony, we wanted to walk into a finished product. Looked on line at the Federation of Master Builders, contacted the local man (we were new to the area), he told me couldn't do anything for a year (a good sign), got him to come round, I liked him,ball park figure was within our budget, so we didn't bother getting anyone else. Result was a first class job, on time, on budget and SWMBO very happy

[@Marktb363]

Great vid Andy; feel for you - a horribly stressful experience! But you showed your mettle and got though it brilliantly 🙂

[@markdyballuk]

you have a wonderful attitude, standards are shocking and money seems to be the only motivation for some builders.

[@nettiejackson9246]

I've always enjoyed watching these videos and getting a lesson in how to remain calm and focused, then after the stress levels have returned to normal remaining in good spirits 😊

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! It was very stressful at the time but I've learned from experience that getting shouty rarely helps. 😁

[@bst1984]

Thabk you for this important public service video. We bought a house 1 year ago as first time buyers and we fell victim of cowboy builders as well. They used similar tactics and gave us pure hell for 2 months. I did think I had done enough checks on them but not quite.. There are nasty people out there and social media helped to create the illusion we were bringing the right people to work on our house. The money we spent with the rogue traders was lost. 1 year into the works, we are now nearing completion. We were recommended the right tradesmen after we sacked the cowboys and we have been using the same team since then. Find the good ones, and stay with them.

[@richardcleair8766]

Hi Andy, we just watched your film, and tbh the simultaneity in your story and ours is remarkable. But we take inspiration from you and Mrs Mac, and we will make our project come good 👍 all the best 👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you!!

[@HYUKLDER1]

Many builders are not competent to organise the various trades and schedule works in the right order. Their incompetence and inexperience increases their costs so they are forced to cut corners, lay off skilled staff and muddle on until the client loses patience with them or stops paying. Workers having a specific trade skill and, without further training, giving it a go at running construction projects can be quickly out of their depth with cost estimates, cash management, materials control, communication, site management and facilitating other trades. There is no substitute for a proper architect or architectural technician's drawing. As client, you could contract a separate specialist groundwork firm to do setting out, trenching foundations, utility ducting, pipe laying and get the build out of the ground. Then a specialist bricklaying firm, then a good roofer and ending with an internal fitting out/finishing firm. Each stage warranted by insurance backed guarantee.

[@theofarmmanager267]

It’s a horror story but, unfortunately, not uncommon. My build cost over £900,000 - and then a further £350,000 in legal and associated costs. All because the original (RIBA) architects, who said that they were experts on this field, made fundamental errors. Then the builder, who I had known for many years, decided to rip us off by “inventing” invoices for materials and work not for our build (by this time, we had gone from a fixed price to cost plus profit). Law suits are happening as I write this but no amount of money can repair 6 years of stress.

[@doublen7135]

Fucking horrific to go through stuff like that, hope all ends well for you

[@theofarmmanager267]

@@doublen7135 thank you for the thought. We are in the house now despite all the lies and deceit from the Borough Council. We have so much in writing or on video but nobody is at all interested in investigating the appalling conduct of the planning officers and planning committee. The CEO of the council (only paid £100k plus) took our complain and handed it to the people we were complaining about to respond. Turkeys voting for Xmas? The legal case is ongoing. We await a formal response from their side but we are heartened by the fact that our solicitors and barrister are both working on no win, no fee. In other words, they rate our chances as high as you can; otherwise they wouldn’t be risking all their time for nothing.

[@theondebray]

As a second career, I did small scale plumbing & property renovation, always doing my best to do a proper job, just charging what I needed, not I might have wanted. Time & again, I got work from irate customers who had been ripped off by cowboys, and made many friends by helping them out. By trying to do my best at all times, the work just kept on coming in, more & more. I could have made it into a big business, but I value my free time, and in any case I'm getting a bit old now. All the decent tradespersons I know are absolutely stacked out with work.

[@yurifrl]

Hey Mate, thanks for sharing, we had a building experience that was very emotionally taxing and it helps to hear that it’s something that happens ❤

[@dannyboy9817]

Great video Andy. So much to learn from this. Thankyou so much for sharing. Kudos to you for not naming and shaming the builder. Every natural instinct would be to do just that, but the fact that you put dignity and gentlemanly conduct before your personal feelings says an awful lot about you as a person. The finished job looks beautiful by the way.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! As I say, I genuinely don't think they set out to rip us off as such. They just did a REALLY bad job.

[@metallitech]

Even back then I wondered why you weren't doing it all yourself, partly because finding good tradesmen can seem unlikely.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Partly confidence but also time! Glad we did though. 👍

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Andy, You have had it tough with these builder's, all they saw was £££££ in the eyes. We all fallen in to this trap, you done the right thing ,fire them off site. The way you carried on this build is a huge credit to your selves. This is why I enjoy your video's it's not the do's and don'ts it's you honest opinion. Over the past few year's on this build I've enjoyed watching the way you explain how thing's are done. You just want to sit back and see what you have built and be proud of what you have done,I take my hat of to you. carry on doing what you do, I'll keep watching. Take care mate👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thanks so much! 👍

[@FiscalWoofer]

Architect is always client side not builder side. The architect is there in many ways to protect the client’s interests. So glad you DIY’d it! Go Andy!

[@peterreime3146]

not necessarily, it depends entirely on the contract arrangement. In this case the arrangement was a form of Design & Build which meant any Architect would have been employed by the contractor and answerable to them based on what their arrangement is. That is why for smaller projects like this it is usually always best to employ an architect directly and ideally before employing any builder.

[@FiscalWoofer]

@@peterreime3146 yes not always client side, just probably works better that way certainly for small works like this.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Sadly, this is a common problem. There is another builder on here who had similar problems with a Fencing Firm - totally ripped him off, even though he's a very proficient competent builder himself. It's terrible how some contractors behave - imagine if you had been some naive person without any building knowledge at all. Glad you 'got there' in the end and looking forward to your next installment. In fact, I hadn't realised how long your house renovations had been going on - I remember you buying the place, and thought it was oly last year - how time flies. Thanks for showing us all the pit falls. Take care 🙂

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers - yeah, crazy - almost 3 years already!!

[@tlangdon12]

I would have taken up references for such a large job. I had a landscape gardener do a job worth £2.5k a while back for me, and asked for references. He said he had never been asked for them, but contacted his last two customers and asked if they would speak to me. They were both happy to do so, and both confirmed that the work was managed properly and the end result was good.

[@ricos1497]

His mum and his cousin?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah, that's the trouble. How do you know the references aren't just mates or family? It's tricky. 🤔

[@tlangdon12]

@@GosforthHandyman It is tricky, but if you start by asking about the work that they had done, and ask for details, it should quickly become clear if they haven't actually used the trader.

[@originunknown519]

It's sad to see this as it's never nice to see someone lose their hard earned money (and time) because of a bad company. I am so glad you have highlighted it though. As someone who works in the trade we are competing against people like this in the industry every day. We try and warn customers of builders low balling them and give them advice on the red flags to look out for but unfortunately time and time again people fall victim to these cowboys.

[@johnavery15]

Brilliant video Andy. You are the most savvy person I know when it comes to building work and for you to be duped by the cowboy says it all! Thanks for posting an honest, warts and all video. It’s so hard to find decent builders. Too many charlatans out there and it gives the whole construction industry a bad name. At least you escaped fairly early on!

[@tlangdon12]

I think Andy's observation that he might not have exercised enough due diligence due to his luck with his previous builder is insightful.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Yup, lots of lessons learned on this one!

[@mr_bojingles5891]

So many things are ringing true with me here. Just over 20 years ago we did similar. Double storey extension on the side, single storey out the back. At the start I wanted a fixed quote expecting a bit of push back but they were happy with that. I also asked for a breakdown of the quote which they were really reluctant to provide. I didn't want a brick by brick price, but a separation of the building works, plumbing, electrical etc. Anyway they eventually gave it to me, and I still remember like it was yesterday. The plumbing quote was £1100. I queried what they were doing for that price (they were sat in their van at the time). He said, a replacement boiler and new rads and pipework in the new build areas. No I said, we don't have any central heating at all. We requested a full central heating system. He turned to his mate (the one who came to price up) and he said "Yep, that's right, I did tell you". The main guy then said, "Well we've quoted you now so we'll have to do it". I was gobsmacked! Even 20 years ago a full central heating system for £1100 is crazy. Anyway, they eventually finished and I'm still rectifying their mistakes - dropped insulation under suspended floors, too much insulation in flat roof meaning no airflow, nails through cables and more. Got in touch 6 months after they finished to make a claim on the window warranty and yes, they were trading under a different name. Considering the price we paid and how long they were on the job, I reckon 2/3 of the price just went on the boys wages. I am still really surprised they actually finished and at the end of the day, it is all still standing.

[@GosforthHandyman]

😬😬👍👍

[@JohnBurgessMusic]

Holy hell those new walls being out of plumb in 2023 triggers my OCD so hard. It just makes it such a pain to correct afterwards when installing jambs, sheeting and anything else that needs to be plumb. I think the bricky was the one having beers and just built in whatever direction he was tilting.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha you're not wrong!

[@raydriver7300]

Wow, Andy, I knew you’d had issues but this is another level! I’ve mentioned before a problem I had with a ‘plumber’ and discovered that I can in fact fit a bathroom myself. I bet you’re pleased it’s all over now 🌞

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Ray - yes, very glad we got through that one! Although I'm quite looking forward to our next project now. 😉😎

[@k.hussain360]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm quite shocked to hear the story as honestly, I figured with all your experience in the industry, you would have been able to avoid such an experience. Obviously it can happen to anyone which this story shows. I guess with all the skills you've picked up, you'll have to get a plot of land next and do a full blown grand design self build 😉

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud - would love to do a full self build!! 😁

[@joparish1037]

After many years experience of struggling to get builders to do a proper job on numerous projects we were finally in a position to do a completely new build. And guess what? We commissioned a German house builder! Needless to say they arrived when they said, worked 7-7 every day, in all weathers, the standard of finishing is extraordinarily good, and the price was fixed at the outset and never varied. Yes, it was expensive, but fair given the high standard. Couldn’t be more pleased with it. I’d never trust a UK builder again.

[@shervinmokthari1251]

Wow... Ive been dealing with a storm ripping my roof off, the insurance adjustors from hell & a set of woofers who down grades my roof. I've been watching your channel to learn! 😅 Now I'm discovering this was the genesis of your issues too & the beginning of the journey to repair , heal & grow! Your a legend my friend. Much love from Newcastle/ south shields ! ❤️

[@andyc972]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Andy, it must be painful to go over it again, glad you can smile and put it down to experience now ! A cautionary tale indeed, and enough to put you off starting on a major building project, so I'm hoping the follow up will be more positive ! Things like the site management, often seem like a trivial issue, but it says a lot about general attitudes and professionalism and as you said you have to consider your future neighbours who are living with all this for months on end !

[@protectiongeek]

Andy, thank you for such a detailed and candid retelling of your experience. I have to say you showed a lot more tolerance that I ever would but when you’re in the situation there is a tendency to think things will improve and get back on track. I know that it’s not unusual for builders to have the attitude that the architect’s drawings are just for general guidance. As a retired electrical engineer I know the importance of drawings and although sometimes they can contain occasional errors, they are there as the reference point for all parties involved. You mentioned that your builder progressed demolition of the old garage (leaving the mess of bricks) and then started the build of the studio. You did express concerns about the progress getting ahead of planning consent, which is understandable. Here in Scotland, that kind of demolition work would be likely to require a Building Warrant from the local council Building Control department before work started. Not having planning consent is risky (the local authority may intervene at a later date to have you change things, which could be very expensive) but progressing work that requires a Warrant in Scotland without having one is a criminal offence. Is this not the case in England? I know it’s easy to refer to “U.K. regulations” when you have an international audience but, as they say, it’s complicated! Some regulations are U.K. wide (CDM and the like) while building regulations/standards differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Must be a nightmare for big building firms. Looking forward to the next video. Keep up the great work.

[@appynoon]

makes you wonder - if this is what happens to someone with Andy's experience what chance have the rest of us got 🤔

[@GosforthHandyman]

It was quite surreal at the time!!

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

I'm surprised Andy didn't know some lads in the building trade to build it for him.... getting a guy to start a build when you never even received "blueprint" plans AND a copy of his Public liability cert plus his VAT reg number was really holding yer hand out to be slapped...I thought Andy was better connected in the building trade to be burned so badly... BTW... handling asbestos waste is an expensive process and needs to be go to a certified disposal unit, at least here in Ireland, I assume the UKs the same... 🤔

[@thelastcrown1]

Living in brunton park with limited experience and getting a very similar extension done next year, this video is great as you’ve opened my eyes to a lot of potential pitfalls to watch out for! Really looking forward to seeing the next one, keep up the great work 👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers and good luck with yours! Brunton Park is lovely. 👍

[@mramg6038]

As soon as a builder refers to the client as mate it's a red flag.

[@christopherrowell3777]

Fair play your a really genuine person after what seemed to be a nightmare you still showed them respect imagine if you let it run its course I dread to think the outcome glad everything worked out for you

[@lonelycake4114]

I have noticed that when the building manager is not on site, things can go south For me his unprofessional writing in emails was a red flag

[@iwantagoodnameplease]

If you're going by "unprofessional writing" you'll never hire any tradesman ever!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Defo. He was barely on site at all. Would make a very brief appearance and then bugger off. 😬

[@lonelycake4114]

@@GosforthHandyman This can happen to busy businessmen. They appear, show off some mundane moves and then vanishes!

[@jasonwilson6062]

You'd think they would want to do good work and be proud of it! Especially for another tradesman, did loft boarding and wooden ladder for a plumber in my area took note of how well he had done his pipes and boiler, he was an osd guy so did really meticulous job for him, would put him forward for any plumbing work i come across and would hope he does the same for me for loft boarding or conversion!

[@mistercutts]

Wondering how the builder took/ accepted and how you specifically approached and discussed the 'it's all over, stop work and please leave' chat. I know I would have over thought and over worried about something like that, however straightforward or clear the rationale for doing so. Also Did they actually clear the site up / of their gear, supplies and rubbish?!

[@robwatson826]

The images in this video remind me an awful lot of my home right now - we sacked our builder after it felt like he was just interested in having a day job, no clear intention of actually finishing the job, just turning up day after day and pottering around (and not clearing anything!)

[@GosforthHandyman]

It's really scary when that happens. 😬😬

[@ericmcrae7758]

Years ago in 1975 we added a 2 story extention to our house. The brickie was my brother inlaw and the chippies were friends as well. Everything was going well I had a roofer quote and accepted the tiles etc. At 9.00pm the day before he was due to start he phoned and just said I cannot do your job and put the phone down. I contacted several roofers but as soon as they saw the job the price doubled. Eventually I decided I would do the roof myself. It took 6 weekends to get the the 6000 tiles up as I was still working and we managed to finish. The contractor who supplied all the materials said he had never known anyone to do this and came a few times to check us out. He was a saint he learnt me tools and books. Now 50 years later the roof is sound and never leaked. The day of the hurricane my father in law was on the phone "Is the roof still on" what he didnt know I nailed every other row that was not going anywhere.

[@mangoyacho]

@ericmcrae7758 I enjoyed reading your post. Very inspiring indeed.

[@sarahann530]

So trades people were shit 50 years ago . What was it about the job that made the price double ? Did the roofers have sign written vans ?

[@georgedionysopoulos3779]

Terribly sorry to hear about this Andy. Having found myself in an awfully similar position a year and a half ago, I know very well how deflating and soul destroying this experience can be and what a negative effect it can have on people's lives. Unfortunately some people have no conscience. Perhaps, you should consider taking it further to your local trading standards as it might help to protect other people around your area; cowboys like this tend to change companies and start over once things go tits up. Really glad to see you eventually managed to get over it this setback and be where you need to be now. Warmest regards!

[@tomwills918]

Holy sh*t Andy what a nightmare Had something similar with our underfloor heating - did all the research and everything sounded great until work started. Like you say got to be the better person, draw a line under it and move on. And we had fun laying our own UFH 😂 Well played mate

[@GosforthHandyman]

Oh no, glad you got sorted. Bet it was a learning curve!

[@arnoldhills5815]

Thank you for putting this video up. Mistakes are hard to acknowledge but invaluable in learning so thank you for sharing. I had similar experience to you but with my roof so seeing your video helps me feel better about my own mistakes. You live and learn! I look forward to the video on how to choose Builders.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers and hopefully it's useful! 👍

[@georgeanastasi7729]

I have had so few good experiences with the trades. Have tried everything. Paying more. Paying less. Recommendations. Websites. Doesn't matter how or who I use or how nice I am I've had crap jobs done. I'm a good customer, not too nitpicky, pay on time wtf am I doing wrong. Sometimes I strike gold and find someone amazing, usually someone older who's been doing it a while or someone brand new making a name for themselves before they get cynical. I've now got a few decent trades following this approach but it's still very hard.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Good trades contacts are like gold-dust now. I have an amazing gas guy, decent plasterer, amazing bricky but he's semi-retired. It's a challenge!

[@johnw2758]

same.......paid on time, not really picky, made brews whenever. It makes me laugh when other KZbinrs give advice of ask to see their credentials/training etc....if I said that to a tradesman he would probably think....nah this is going to be hard work and not entertain me......

[@psi10001]

1) don't allow a spade in the ground until you have their insurance and VAT details in your hand, and a copy of the architects plans. 2) check companies house for free online, you'll soon see if the Director has more than one business or a history of dissolved companies. 3) Word of mouth is great for recommendations, but by far the most important thing in home renovation and repair is TRUST YOUR GUT FEELING!! I'm glad you walked away in the end, these cowboys know most Brits are too polite to kick up a fuss, so fair play to you!

[@londonengland7096]

@@psi10001 I hear the insurance doesn’t mean anything and only covers for accidental damage. Also the builder has to agree to your insurance claim or the insurers will reject it

[@kieran.stafford]

I would have run a mile at the first use of the word "mate"! Dear sweet god.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Lol yeah tell me about it!

[@tk2097]

Pair of idiots, judge a man on his actions not his dialect.

[@graeme5060]

It was, "tomoz" for me.

[@Ngry_W]

So stressful to watch! And very humble of you to express some understanding towards the end of why it may have gone wrong, not sure i'd be so understanding. We live not far from you in Forest Hall, and got lucky with our builder. Considering another extension soon and your video has made me think i'll wait for him to be available again rsther than rush in. Thanks for the video.

[@barrydoherty636]

Looks like you had a lucky escape, in the end.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Very lucky! I think if they'd started the main build it would never have been finished. 😬

[@Phil-kt6hc]

Your kindness shines through...

[@kevintodd6150]

Hi Andy, Being a retired painting Contracts Manager for an old Newcastle family run building company, the red flags for me would have been not only the spelling errors in his correspondence, but also his familiarity in calling you mate/ matey. Perhaps I’m too old school, but I would always call the client Mr or Mrs unless they said otherwise. As you say, it cost you a few quid, but In the end, your knowledge of building allowed you to get rid of them early doors ! I’m sure the majority of people in your position would have scattered them long before you did! A question people should ask before hiring a builder is do they directly employ all of the required trades, or do they use sub-contractors?The company I worked for carried all of the trades except sparkies and plumbers, and therefore could confidently programme the build according to the schedule. I suppose a valuable lesson learnt, and at the end of the day, alls well that ends well. You and Mrs Mac have built yourselves a beautiful home up here in Gods country 👍😄

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Yup, totally agree on the mate / matey thing. Does my head in! Sometimes I wonder if they're deliberately trying to wind me up. 😂

[@paulprescott7913]

Totally agree on the mate/matey and the way his emails were written. Thats another problem isnt it, a large proportion of tradesmen only want to work sub contract. I have been in the electrical industry for 40 years and i can tell you that i wouldn't let 95% of the electrician's that i have met put a plug on for me.

[@kevintodd6150]

Spot on Paul. Very few people seem to have the correct work ethic nowadays. Another warning sign is when they turn up in casual gear (tracksuits and trainers). I subscribe to Colin Furze's channel and he's currently having some serious heavy excavation work done in his house, and Colin pointed out that the labourer was wearing flip flops, unbelievable.😮

[@Benzknees]

There's a cost to all the management needed for a properly run building firm, which houseowners aren't prepared to pay for. The prices quoted for the extension & garden room here were on the low side, and a red flag in their own right, before you even get to the unprofessional paperwork & communications.

[@kevintodd6150]

Well said. A lot of red flags! Most people would go with the lowest price, which they assume will save them thousands. If an experienced lad like Andy can get duped, what chance has anyone got who doesn't know a thing about building work? As the old saying goes: "Pay peanuts and you get monkeys"🙈🙈🙉🙉🙊🙊 @@Benzknees

[@paulharrison2325]

It’s really hard having building work done when you have a good understanding of how things should be. Very few good builders out there and you have to collude either with the good ones to keep them moving despite funerals, broken down vans, material shortages, sick children and so on. I work as the owner’s engineer for new build power stations so whilst I’m not in the detail of residential construction, I have colleagues that are that help me. The last extension project I did was through a very expensive and reputable builder and the work was excellent but despite that, he still got multiple things wrong that I needed to fix, including trying to put the roof on 300 mm too low and putting the roof lights on wrong. As I was overpaying and he was a good builder, there was no question at all from his side and it always got fixed. However; it was a bit unnecessary.

[@tlangdon12]

So many tradespeople in the UK adopt a persona of the "cheerful chappie" (until things start to go wrong). They act offended when challenged about anything, but to me this is just a massive red flag. The professionals expect to be asked for the PI insurance, method statements, risk assessments, responsibilities for drawings, party wall and build over agreements. It's the ones that say you can trust us that are always the least professional. Be warned - they are only cheerful because they know they are ripping you off!

[@GosforthHandyman]

I'm not a fan of even more regulation but I'm starting to think that might be the only option here. Anyone can call themselves a builder in the UK and that's part of the problem as many don't have a clue. 🤔

[@tlangdon12]

@@GosforthHandyman In the USA, some states have a licensing scheme with limits on the value of work you can do. This seems to be a sensible approach. A UK scheme could includes the concept of tiers that would only allow firms to take on bigger projects when their experience and financial standing indicates that they are ready to do so. Another idea would be a national "How to employ a builder guide" that would set out the "best practice" process, so that both parties could see what the builder should be able to provide by way of insurance, contracts, etc., and what reasonable payments terms are. I also think we don't make enough use of ESCROW services (google PayTheTrades).

[@Swwils]

​@@GosforthHandymanthey will just skirt the regs.

[@stephendavies6949]

Caveat Emptor. Nuff Respect to you for sharing your nightmare, from which we can all learn. If someone like you can come unstuck, then the rest of us have to be doubly cautious. I think you've been very measured with your report, including the explanation of the general economic and market context in the UK right now. So glad you managed to sort it all out in the end.

[@BillsCountrysideAdventures]

Andy, sorry but this does go on. I hate seeing it. It screams lack of knowledge and management. I loved building, but if he was sending young lads, you need plan each day. I used to run up to four sites and 15 lads. I'd check each one and keep clients updated and always kept a clean site. Clean site is a safe site. First thing builder done wrong was not coming on site and working with lads. Got same over the road, badly managed.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup, 100%. I felt sorry for the lads as they often had no clue what they were doing.

[@graciemaca6996]

So sorry you had to go thru this mess!😢 We all want to think the best of business owners, but when the red flags start adding up, it's time to put the brakes on. I find it alarming that he specifically mentions that they would have clean, tidy surroundings on the site, then that turns out to be one of the main things in question! Then, your garage wall!😮 Etc, etc. Best to trust your initial gut feelings. Glad you put a stop to it when you did.😊

[@Slayeh]

This is making me stressed just watching it, and I'm only 14mins in!

[@GosforthHandyman]

It was quite stressful watching all the footage back! 😭😭

[@steamsearcher]

We have just celebrated 49 years of the kitchen extension not being fitted with insulation in the cavity's. YES there was some at the bottom of the wall to pass one INSPECTION and some by the lintels to pass another. BUT every moment since 1974 the place has been TOO COLD. Next on the list is to dig out the whole floor as we have damp bridging. We are replacing with multifoil and facing bricks for the inside wall. Looking lovely. BUILDERS!!!!!

[@ge2719]

cant get blown cellulose insulation put into the cavity?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Oh no, good luck with yours!

[@p_mouse8676]

For me a big no-no red flag is already just the entire email conversation. Far to vague. Just send a proper invoice with all costs and VAT included as well as a proper planning table.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Totally agree!

[@B0jangle5]

Amazed that you kept it together after this, it was painful enough hearing about this happen second hand. I understand your sympathies to the builder given the situation but I really don't think the pandemic can be used to justify fraud and deceit. I can't see things improving until there is something to either block those sorts of people from entry to the trade or actual repercussions for doing such a bad job.

[@patrick-quora]

Now watching this, imagine being a woman and it's 100 times worse and they'll get ripped off a 100 times more. Like my mum, she's not technically or mechanically inclined, she trusts the "professionals", and when she leaves her car for maintenance or whatever, the guys just wants to rip her off because of her ignorance and because she's a woman. They dare to do shit they would never ever do in a million years to pull off if she was a guy... it's a scary world out there... but much more so if you're a woman. So guys, stand up and be there for your sisters, wives, mothers, daughters, etc.... because there's a bunch of predators out there ready to rip them off... and probably do a half-assed job of it, so they have to return and fix whatever they didn't fix in the first place.

[@multirevelator]

well said and absolutely is the case!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup, totally agree. I've seen similar with Mrs Mac. 😬

[@evelyngorfram9306]

In my experience as a woman in US, it even helps if I can drag a man along to just stand there & look dumb, & occasionally say "Talk to her. She's the one who knows." (Of course, it takes a certain type of guy to be capable of standing there & deferring all questions to me, instead of trying to take over; but that's a whole gender thing & not really the topic here.)

[@jaroslavvychodil8423]

Same experience here, only difference is that i was doing reconstruction on my house. But good thing is that i learned alot of new skills, repairing what contractor did wrong, after i fired him.

[@evelyngorfram9306]

Andy, in the next one could you talk a little about how you came to be starting construction without yourself having seen & gotten a copy of any architect's plans? There must have been some dodge, or bodge, or alleged reason?