Paving and Fencing Contractor Checklist

2) Member of Marshall's Register of approved contractors?

3) Has real phone number and office address (i.e. not just a mobile number)?

4) Provides knowledgeable details of how work will be carried out?

5) Answers all questions thoughroughly and doesn't avoid specifics?

6) Provides a competitive price compared to others?

7) Can offer a peace of mind guarantee that work will be acceptable?

8) Offers examples of local similar work that you can visit?

9) Offers a written quotation on letter headed stationary?

10) Offers specification sheets detailing excavation, foundation and laying?

11) Is pleasant to deal with and not sounding like a pushy salesman?

12) Can explain company story (e.g. when established and employees experience)?

13) Will the payment be on satisfied completion of work?

14) Do you get a good feeling about the person giving a quote?

 notes:1) If you have been recommended check name of main worker and request him/his team. 2) These are guaranteed to be good companies as if anything goes wrong Marshalls will fix the problem. 3) Beware of companies with only a mobile number, they don't need a proper office but should be able to give you a land-line and home address as a sign of goodwill. 4) Its good to ask some questions about how the paving is laid and depth of foundation, just pretend you know about it but make mental notes of whether they give clear answers. 5) Again look for avoidance of answers and watch out for sales talk- avoiding the subject. 6) We are not suggesting you take the cheapest price, but be wary if a price is much cheaper or more expensive than others. We have been told a customer was given a super cheap price- surprise surprise they were asked for more money, and just because a company looks professional doesn't mean they warrant paying more for- we were once told a company with fancy leaflets quoted £27,000 for a job that should of cost a quarter of that! 7) If you employ a real company (e.g. VAT registered) then you are protected by consumer rights so a guarantee is not needed, if you employ a man with a truck your stuck. Let the companies profile do the talking- its best to trust them before you start, then when they tell you your work is guaranteed you will believe them and they will stick to it, we all make mistakes and any decent company will rectify them. If you want more ask for a Marshalls' guarantee or similar. 8) If they don't let you view other work they have done don't employ them- its that simple. 9) This goes back to being a real company and its a very basic thing but surprisingly rare, make sure you have a written quote as this also acts as a guarantee. 10) This should be provided, if not do not employ! A good company will hand you a copy of the specs, why wouldn't they? 11) You should invite contractors to you, never let them canvass you. There should only be one man (unless he is training someone- rare) and he should be polite, clear and 'normal', be wary of salesman types. 12) If a company is new don't dismiss them- they are likely to have less overheads and maybe give better prices, but a well established firm with loyal experienced workmen is what you want. These small local businesses with 'old school' workers are where to find a competitive price combined with quality work, as said before- experience is everything, and its generally the well established companies that will have the know how to deal with any problems and challenges professionally. 13) Most people that get ripped off do so because they agree to payments upfront. 14) If you don't believe the guy pricing your job or have any funny feeling- act on it and either ask him back for a second quote (interrogation hahaha) or move on. You can always ask them to come back and ask different questions and ask for different ideas just to judge him- worth it if you are unsure.