Advice on Attic Conversion

ironingbored

I am currently having the attic converted in my new house. We haven't moved in yet and are waiting for this to be finished as well as floors/carpets. I went around to the house this morning to check on how things were going. Should I expect the company doing the conversion to touch up walls, etc which have been scratched/marked by taking equipment up and down the stairs? They have also left doors, skirting and tools lying up against newly painted walls which are now in certain places dirty and marked.

How tidy/clean should I expect the house to be after such an intrusive job?

Thanks

sinnerboy

You dictate that . Have a polite but firm talk now so you make your expectations clears

Heatherview

Hi Ironingboard
First of all get out your digital camera take photos of damage. Talk to the company doing your work. Insist all these items are put right and to your satisfaction. Take no fob off you should expect to get your property back the way it was + the work done in prestine order. Remember you hold the purse strings and the photographs(evidence)

Heatherview

dunie001

I agree with heatherview...

As long as you've got the money for doing the job in your pocket and not theirs, then PLAY BALL!!!

The house should be as good or bad as you want it to be...take photos and send them to the company demanding the repairs done and make sure you hold onto your well earned cash until it is all done to your satisfaction.

It's their fault if they couldn't protect the walls, skirting from damage while working in your house not yours...

don't be soft on them either. Construction is a cut throat business...give a contractor even the faintest sniff of money and you'd be amazed what they'll do for you...as long as you keep the money until they've finished the work that is...

a small bit of huge advice: Never pay a contractor upfront for anything...the minute you do you lose your bargaining capabilities...

dunie001

Remember that a contractor would put your skirting boards diagonally on the walls if you told them to and if you pay them to do it...or your insulation inside out.

They might even try to build your house upside down...as long as you keep throwing money at them and telling them that that's the way it has to be.

pseudo-tech

OP just a note of caution about the above advice. If you don't before as well as after photograph's they don't really stand up. I would suggest to approach the contractor and discuss your issue and not the confrontational approach because it don't really work.

ironingbored

Cheers folks.

I have taken photos. It's just hard to get a new house and see it torn apart three days later. I paid about 33% up front and he won't be getting the rest unless I'm fully satisfied. He has fooked me around a bit with the dates and made things awkward with regard to floors/carpets fitting. thanks for the replies!

RKQ

Be firm but fair and don't take any silly business.
Don't start off being confrontational, keep it business like but be firm.

Photograph the damage for your records. If necessary state that you will get this work repaired by others and deduct cost of making good from Attic Converters invoice - (it won't come to that)