I need a Damp Proofing Contractor for Basement Conversion in Leeds

[davecookyboy]

Hi all I’m a new guy here and need some help, I’ve had three quotes for a basement conversion and I’m totally confused who to use. I have researched the industry and it looks very murky indeed! Should I use a builder instead?

 

Any expert help would be really appreciated because it’s a very big project involving our life savings plus remortgage and I don’t want to employ a cowboy firm.

[Conniff]

Moved you into the General Consumer Issues jonny, you will get more help here.

 

 

You should go by recommendation if you are really worried.

 

 

Did your quotes come on company paper with badges etc of trade associations they are members of ?

Have they said they are fully insured against all risks ?

[davecookyboy]

All three were from Google searches and all detailed and look professional, but I then started to research them and the industry and was amazed at some facts found on the net and the Association two are part of its very alarming really.

I have full planning permission and already sunk £5k into this with structural engineer’s reports etc and it’s just finding the right contractor I need help with, hoping someone will recommend a decent firm that checks out.

Thanks for your help, and fast reply!

[Conniff]

You won't get a recommend on here jonny, the site rules forbid recommending trades persons.

 

 

If you have a cellar already, then so will the other houses around, can't you knock on a few doors and ask them !

[davecookyboy]

I'm very sorry regarding rules will go read them now, its a detached house but need to dig out some more of the area, under pinning etc.

 

 

Maybe someone may just simply point me in the right direction.

 

 

Thanks again

[i hate bailiffs]

The bigger the firm/company is not always the best

 

Recommendation is always good

 

Could you not speak to the structural engineer he or she must know a few reputable company's \ trades

[Conniff]

Being pointed in the right direction is fine.

 

 

Good idea above, speak to the engineer or ask the council if they have a list of recommended.

[f16]

Try googling basement tanking Leeds.

 

I can tell you know this is going to be expensive. So take your time.

I would advise asking to see some of their work on site. Perhaps one that is completed, and the job they are working on at the moment.

Talk to their customers whilst there.

Anyone in the construction industry that has a good reputation would not mind this at all. .......... And it weeds out the Cowboys.

 

 

Never accept the "cheap price" because every corner in the book will be cut !!

Good Luck.

[davecookyboy]

Thanks Mod, great idea!

Regarding to Google tanking in Leeds I did hence the three quotes. But when I checked out the Surveyors qualifications it was a three day course down their Trade Association. The letters after his name are worthless, it’s a [problem], and an industry expert told me to shred his quote its rubbish. See my problem on who to trust?

Hence I’m looking a field and yes it’s around £40k but I want the job doing as its to be my office.

Thanks Guys

[caro]

If it's that kind of money it might be worth looking further afield.

 

Are there any local boards or Facebook pages where you could ask for recommendations. Alternatively see if there's a reputable trade association where you could find a good contractor.

 

Council is a good route as already advised.

 

Good luck.

[f16]

Thanks Mod, great idea!

Regarding to Google tanking in Leeds I did hence the three quotes. But when I checked out the Surveyors qualifications it was a three day course down their Trade Association. The letters after his name are worthless, it’s a [problem], and an industry expert told me to shred his quote its rubbish. See my problem on who to trust?

Hence I’m looking a field and yes it’s around £40k but I want the job doing as its to be my office.

Thanks Guys

 

I agree with you.

The whole industry is "littered" with "Members" of this or that federation. It's WORTHLESS.

It is paying to join a group. I'm a member of none.

 

Take the structural engineer route

[caro]

I agree with you.

The whole industry is "littered" with "Members" of this or that federation. It's WORTHLESS.

It is paying to join a group. I'm a member of none.

 

Take the structural engineer route

 

Agreed which is why I said reputable - if there is such a thing.

[f16]

Agreed which is why I said reputable - if there is such a thing.

 

Agreed.

 

There are "Good" companies with in these groups that are prepared to pay.

 

The problem as the OP has discovered is finding the reputable ones.