Jack Johnson

Today, there’s an upsurge in demand for residential and commercial property in London. This has led to a rise in the number of building contractors. These make a lot of promises to entice customers. However, you should know that not all contractors stick to their word. Some resort to unfair practices which might leave you at the losing end. With a few ideas, you can spot signals that you’re about to get scammed. Take a look at these 7 telltale signs to spot an unprofessional contractor.

Demand for upfront payment

It’s not unusual for a contractor to demand some money in advance. It acts as a commitment fee and they use it to order materials and to rent earth moving equipment to get your job started. Look out for contractors who might want to draw a lot of money from you even before embarking on the project. You might be tempted to cave in for reasons note earlier but you need to give it some deep thought. A reliable contractor just asks for a percent of the total cost in the beginning. Giving a contractor most of the money before the job starts might make them disappear or do a clumsy job.

Use of substandard material and equipment

Look out for the type of material the contractor promises to use. Use of low quality materials and outdated equipment only leads to a shoddy job. Contractors opt for low quality material and equipment to cut down on their costs to enable them to make the most out of the deal. The chances are high that you will not get value for your money.

Hidden charges in the middle of the project

Before the project begins, you usually have to contact building contractors for a project quote. Reputable contractors will take time before giving you a quote after assessment of project requirements. There are some unscrupulous contractors who might begin demanding for hidden charges in the middle of the project. They might come up with excuses such as the need for additional material or a termite infestation on the site. Professional builders usually anticipate all that and incorporate it into the quote to save you from surprises.

Not following proper building procedures

Have you ever heard horrifying stories of contractors who did work without seeking proper approval for the layout plan? Well, no one would like to be in such a situation. There’s bound to be a multitude of problems waiting for you in the future. This usually happens when you’re to take possession of your property. As the property owner, you will end up paying for the contractor’s fault.

Fallback in delivering milestones

A professional contractor usually gives periods when to deliver milestones. Furthermore, they also give you the exact date when you take possession of your property. They give this at the time of signing the contract. In case of unavoidable circumstances which might cause delays like natural disasters, the contractor will update you accordingly. However, without any disturbances, the contractor should be able to hand over the property on the promised date without fail.

Be on the lookout for these signs to avoid getting into problems with a contractor. Due diligence is required if you’re to avoid trouble when finding a reputable contractor in London who works with integrity.