how to check on a business

[tomatoada]

I am planning to refurbish my bathroom.  A complete change of everything so it is not going to be cheap. 

I have had 3 quotes and have picked one I think is best.

They cannot start until September.  Fine by me.

They want 1/3 of the cost to confirm now.  1/3 when they start work.  1/3when finished.  I have not had such major work done before, is this usual?

More important how do I check this firm is not going to go into bankruptcy before they start?  What else do I need to check about them?  Is there a register somewhere which would help me?  Would Trading Standards be any help?

They have a small showroom in an upmarket area near Birmingham.

[tomatoada]

[Digeroo]

I would expect on these terms to have a 10% retention.  Not sure about the 1/3 now bit.  I do not expect to pay anything up front.  Pay month after job finished.  Perhaps 10% deposit max.

Much better to have a recommendation ask about. 

[norfolklass]

the only advice I can offer is from personal experience. we recently had a new kitchen fitted by B&Q which obviously we had to pay for up front. we also had the kitchen re-wired and re-plastered, both sourced by us independently, and both invoiced us AFTER they'd done the work. we found the electrician and the plasterer through word-of-mouth recommendations from people they'd previously done jobs for, so we were happy that they weren't cowboys.

good luck!

[Hector]

All I can say is we had our house damproofed by a well known small company locally. Were asked to pay up front for materials/a percentage. They started work , stripped plaster etc, and went bust.....left with unplastered walls and got back tny amount as there were so many creditors :(

[littlebabybird]

i realy wouldnt be happy about those terms

lbb

[daileg]

If a company asks for monies up front normally means they havent the capital to sustain themselves after there running costs !
what im saying its a 50- 50 chance it all works out for you this way you pay your money and take the chance
I also understand in these hard times we all look inward for the best option especially trying to save a little here and there you get what you pay for sorry

if it were me i would say 10% if this wasnt ok for the company then you must ask why?
i would prefer to spend a little more and have some sort of insurance that this was going to be ok a bigger firm tends to carry the cost till the job is done this way you have the chance to say your not happy with something without the worry of allready paying for it because when you pay up front the standard tends to be poorer asd the company wants it done as soon as so they can get onto the next if you had to pay on the basis on the finished job you are in control not them !!!!

[Baccy Man]

A deposit should not be required, refurbishing a bathroom is a small job & the builder should be able to cover the cost of the materials.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Planning/ChoosingTradersAndServiceProviders/DG_4018092

Deposits and Payment
Deposits are usually only payable where specific or custom-made materials are required or where the project will take a long time to complete. Otherwise, avoid paying deposits, and agree any payment schedule in writing

.

For bigger or complicated jobs it is often required that a deposit is made to cover the cost of materials the best course of action in that situation is to ask the builder for a list of materials needed (they will often suggest an appropriate place you can buy them from) & purchase them yourself then pay the balance on completion of the job to your satisfaction. That way if they fail to complete the work for any reason then you already have the materials & can get in another builder to complete the job.

[SamLouise]

Our company (security installation) always asks for a 20% deposit unless it's an established customer.  I agree with whoever said ask for some recommendations / references first though, that's a good way to go.  We always make our recommendations available to any customer needing reassurance.   

[Sholls]

If a company asks for monies up front normally means they havent the capital to sustain themselves after there running costs !

Not necessarily. In my line of work (web development) I require 25-50% up front, not because I have to purchase materials, but to secure my time. If a client cancels on me, the closer we are to the date I was due to start work the less of their deposit is refunded.

If the the tradesman/company selected by the original poster can't start work until September it is likely they are in demand, which means they're probably turning away (or postponing) work for the days they'll be doing the bathroom - Looked at from that point of view the request for a 33% deposit seems perfectly reasonable. That said, I'd still be seeking references/recommendations, details of professional affiliations & most importantly a written contract.

Edit: It sounds like they're probably registered as a company, in which case you can pay £1 to Companies House & see what shape the business finances are in.

[rosebud]

  Have you never watched the TV programmes? :o they say if you are asked to pay up front WALK AWAY. Please do not part with your money look elsewhere.
Tomatado. :D

[betula]

I had a guy put in a new kitchen and bathroom in a property we owned in Edgbaston a few years back.He is aone man band and was very good.We bought all the fittings he did the labour paid for at end of the job.Pm me if you want his name.

[PurpleHeather]

I have done property developing and have never ever paid up front. Nor would I.

I have bought the fittings/materials then paid for the labour only. After the work has been completed. But often trades men have trade accounts and can get better deals.

A bathroom fitting should be about three days work for one man. If there is a lot to do and tiling a week at the most.

We all have to wait at least a week for payment of wages.

What you run the risk of is getting some of the work started, then they go off to another job. You have paid and there is nothing you can do but wait.

Be warned.

[tomatoada]

Thanks  for all the replies.  Have taken all your advice .   Walked away.  Yes please would like his address.  How do I PM you please. Do you mean email you?  Thanks again.  In a rush.  late for hair app..

[betula]

I will pm you.Look at the top of the page for messages and click. :)

[Hyacinth]

....otherwise, why not go on the Brum Freecycle site and ask in the Cafe section for recommendations there?Lots of helpful people there who can give personal recommendations perhaps. Worth a shot?

[rosebud]

We had a bathroom completely refitted into a shower room & never paid or was asked for any money upfront.  He did a lovely job to 2wks, tiled from ceiling to floor also.
A couple of my friends on here have seen it & will tell you what a good job he did for us.  ;D

[Vony]

I wouldn't accept the job from those people at all, as you not in a rush shop around my friend a bit more.

[Kea]

No  i wouldn't. I'd be happy to purchase the materials as they needed them...after they had quoted cost of materials, agreed it and then purchased and invoiced me. I wouldn't pay in advance for labour etc