We are going through a loft conversion and modifying the layout downstairs (not technically an extension but hefty work on the rear of the house) so I'm intrigued to see the replies here, as this is our first house and first major work too.
We scouted a few builders/firms that were recommended locally. Got 4-5 quotes. Settled on one, he recommended his architect and we are currently going through drawings with him to finalise the plans.
Especially with lofts there are a lot of companies that provide the whole service with drawings, project managers etc. but they are generally a lot more expensive. We had a quote from one recommended the most locally (they are literally doing lofts all around our area and everybody has good things to say) but they came out at least £20k more and were giving us the hard sell straight from the outset. E.g. the woman came round with a bottle of bubbly etc. and really gave us a hard sell on the quote expiring within 60 days etc. After some more digging, a lot didn't add up like how they were saying they don't subcontract, yet according to companies house only had 10-12 emplyees. Yet they're doing at least 6 lofts within a 10min walk of our house. She also bad-mouthed (indirectly) some of the others which didn't sit well. Just none of it felt right.
It's a bit of a minefield out there, but best thing you can do is look at a lot of reviews/local recommendations, check they are members of appropriate federations like FMB etc. Ask questions about who your contract will be with (solely), whether or not they subcontract etc.
We scouted a few builders/firms that were recommended locally. Got 4-5 quotes. Settled on one, he recommended his architect and we are currently going through drawings with him to finalise the plans.
Especially with lofts there are a lot of companies that provide the whole service with drawings, project managers etc. but they are generally a lot more expensive. We had a quote from one recommended the most locally (they are literally doing lofts all around our area and everybody has good things to say) but they came out at least £20k more and were giving us the hard sell straight from the outset. E.g. the woman came round with a bottle of bubbly etc. and really gave us a hard sell on the quote expiring within 60 days etc. After some more digging, a lot didn't add up like how they were saying they don't subcontract, yet according to companies house only had 10-12 emplyees. Yet they're doing at least 6 lofts within a 10min walk of our house. She also bad-mouthed (indirectly) some of the others which didn't sit well. Just none of it felt right.
It's a bit of a minefield out there, but best thing you can do is look at a lot of reviews/local recommendations, check they are members of appropriate federations like FMB etc. Ask questions about who your contract will be with (solely), whether or not they subcontract etc.
