building work

I don’t think you can trust all the reviews on these type of sites. A friend had two different jobs done by people with glowing references and they were both dreadful.
Better if you can to find someone with a personal recommendation.

My GS now always asks for materials costs up front as he’s has had so many people wanting to get a a cut in the cost or refusing to pay at the end of a job so it’s just the way builders work now.

Checkatrade is a marketing site for builders not householders I did check out the local listings only 3 listed and never heard of any. It’s certainly not any kind of guarantee of quality, we have a local admag the builders use there is good selection there.

It is normal for a builder to ask for part payment up front, some will ask for materials paid for by client. Many price the work according to the cost of the car on the driveway, everyone has been ripped off at some time. So unless you have a friend in the trade or a relative that’s good at DIY its pot luck.

We’re doing a total house build. I’ve used find a builder.com and ratedpeople. The builder we had for the main build (done in 4 stages) asked for 50% up front before starting each stage. He had a lot of materials to buy. I consider this normal practice for work where they have to spend up front with materials. What would happen if the customer decides the week or day before before to cancel the job or has found someone cheaper.

These people are self employed and do need security.

The on line search companies I used all had references / testimonials from customers. Good and bad. Does CheckaTrade have reviews about this builder.?
Ask him for references if not.

I had a shock after lockdown. My hairdresser had started to ask for 50% deposit in booking.

Good luck with your work.

Talk to Checkatrade . They have a reputation to maintain. Tell them what has happened.