The Initial Enquiry

Enquiries come from many diferent sources. Significantly over the last ten years all of Steve's work has either come from returning customers, or personal referrals.

First Meeting 

In the first instance Steve meets usually meets the client on site to establish their requirements. This is always without any obligation and free of charge. The objectives of this meeting are normally to establish if

1 The project is generally feasible

2 The proposals are realisticand affordable and answer the client's needs. The main points usually cover an idea of budget costs, services required, contractor availability and a project time line.

3 To ascertain whether the firm is available & keen to do the work when the client wants it done.

4 Most importantly to establish whether both parties believe they share the same values and that they will enjoy working together towards ensuring a top class job. Ultimately everyone should share a mutual understanding that any time and money invested on preparing and planning the project will be constructive. Following on from here the client can rest assured that the estimators and project planners will be doing their best to prepare a considered and fair proposal.

Preliminaries

The team gather the facts and do a preliminary costing. When everything that can be known at that time has been assessed, the firm prepares an outline proposal. If required the scheme is measured by an independent surveyor, double checked in-house and meticulously planned and scheduled. The client is expected to provide as much detail as possible and to make the necessary decisions to facilitate the process. When this stage is completed there should be enough information for the client to decide whether they want to progress to the next phase.

The detailed tender is subsequently presented.  This forms the basis for the contract which in turn is usually agreed by means of a simple exchange of letters or emails based on the accepted tender.

Contract

Generally there are two forms of Contract. The first and most common method, is that the firm and the client enter a fixed price contract supported with a Schedule of Works and Specification. All exclusions are listed and all future variations are by means of Client Variation Orders. Payment is by way of a deposit and set stage payments.  The second way is on a labour and materials basis, with no fixed price. Payment is also by set amounts at predetermined periods which vary according to the work done up until that time. The first way provides peace of mind, the second - a flexible option should funding not be secure, or if the client needs the freedom to stop at any time.

Subcontractors and Material Supply

The company prefers to supply all materials and engage all the subcontractors. The reason for this is to control responsibility. It is sometimes possible for the client to engage a subcontractor directly and provide materials. However it often turns out that either the subcontractor, or the materials are substandard and then the responsibility sits uncomfortably with the client.  Should the client wish to appoint someone specific, or has a preferred supplier it is far more efficient to route them via the company. This way the builder has the contractual responsibiity to deal with any problems that may arise and the client is not caught in the middle.

Range of Services

It is not uncommon for clients to want the firm to do only part of a job. For example they may only want groundworks, brickwork, or roofing which may form only an element of the the total job.  Whilst it may be prepared to accept work on this basis the company prefers to do the complete job.

The very best time to involve the company is at the very beginning. This is because the firm's established contacts and team include recommended architects, structural engineers and designers.

During Construction

The contractor focuses on the job in hand and makes every effort to complete it as soon as possible. The client is constantly kept updated.

Start and Completion Dates

The client is given a programme as part of the tender package. This is updated as necessary before the commencement date. This may vary due to factors such as the weather, supplies etc. However the customer is kept constantly updated.

Client contact

All regular contact is by email only. In the unlikely event that an urgent concern should arise, a telephone call to Stve's mobile , followed by an email is the best method.

Payment

Accounts are sent by email and payment is accepted by BACS only unless an alternative arrangement has been pre-arranged.

Health and Safety

S E Watts Building Co insists on keeping a clean, safe and organised site. If a client has any concerns they are encouraged to contact the contractor immediately.

Feedback

Feedback at any stage is always welcomed. Clients are actively encouraged to provide open and honest reviews on completion. This assists the firm to maintain the highest standards and informs other potential customers. Recent posts are posted on this site.