Housing Repairs and Maintenance Advice

With so many home makeover programmes on television concentrating on the inside of our homes we often forget the importance of maintaining the outside. This page contains information for Herefordshire residents interested in carrying out alterations to their home, from minor renovations to essential repairs.

Trader Register

The Herefordshire Trader Register has been set up by Herefordshire Council for the benefit of both local consumers and businesses across the county. It aims to reassure consumers, providing advice and information on employing a trader and working together to get things right first time. Businesses registered with the scheme have all demonstrated their commitment to fair and honest trading practices and delivering good customer service.

If you are looking for local reliable traders, or you are a trader who would like to be considered for the scheme, you should visit www.traderregister.org.uk/herefordshire where they can search or apply online. The Trader Register is free for traders and customers to use. If you are a customer having difficulty using the Trader Register online, please contact us on (01432) 260710 and we will find a selection of traders for you.

We monitor the register constantly and ask customers for feedback. Builders who let us or our customers down are removed from the list. If there is a particular trader who you would prefer to use or see on the register, please tell us about them and we can invite them to join the scheme.

Building Works Contract

For your own protection, we always recommend that there is a formal contract between you and the builder. You can find free builders contracts at the Federation of Master Builders website.

http://www.fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder/free-contracts/

Guidance on choosing a builder

Organising a builder can often be a daunting task. The following information will provide you with advice and guidance to help you make the right decision:

• Before you contact a builder, be clear about exactly what work you require. Larger jobs may need planning permission and Building Regulation Approval - check with the Planning Department before carrying out any work.
• DON'T agree to have any work done by a contractor who knocks on your door. Obtain a contact number and address, and get in touch with them later if you wish.
  Make a list of possible builders. The best way is to talk to any friends, relatives and neighbours who have recently had work carried out.
• Obtain more than one written quote detailing the work to be carried out. You should remember that a quote is the price that the builder will charge, whereas an estimate is only a guide to the final price.
• When comparing quotes, make sure that everything is included in the price. Be clear about the VAT - is it included or is it to be added? Don't automatically go for the cheapest quote.
• A good reputable builder will always want to do their best for you, right from the start and will take time to discuss the work and give you their advice. If they are not prepared to do this then you should think about going elsewhere.
• Ask the builder when they will be able to start the work, and agree on a start and planned finish date. Both parties should sign and date the detailed quote and both keep a copy. For your own protection, we always recommend that there is a formal contract between you and the builder.
• Check the builder's insurance cover, guarantees and membership of a trade association such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Builders' Guarantee Scheme or Quality Mark. Also ensure you have the full address and telephone number for the builder (not just a mobile number) and also ask them how long they have been in business.
  Avoid paying money in advance, and only make the final payment when you are satisfied with the job.
• If things go wrong, talk to the builder to give them the opportunity to put things right. If you are still not satisfied, write to them setting out what needs to be done and a deadline. Check with their trade association to see whether there is a conciliation or arbitration scheme that you can use.

Identifying items requiring maintenance

The following provides a brief outline of things to look for when checking your home for defects.

Item	Problem
Chimney	Are the pots secure? Is the brickwork secure? Does it need pointing? These could all cause damage to your chimney and slates and could allow water penetration into your home.
Lead Flashings	Around your chimney and dormer/attic windows, are they secure or missing? This could allow water to penetrate into your home.
Roof Covering	Are any slates/tiles missing, cracked, loose or slipped? All could allow water to penetrate into your home.
Gutters & Downpipes	Check all joints for cracks and leaks. Even a small leak will cause extensive damage to brickwork or paths.
Eaves	Check on the condition of the paintwork or mortar pointing dependant on which type of eaves your house has.
Brickwork/Render	Check the condition of the bricks & mortar pointing for any damage. Check for any loose or cracked render. Both could allow damp to penetrate into your home.
Overflows	A running overflow will cause extensive damage to your brickwork, pointing or paths.
Windows	Check the condition of the windows for cracked or flaked paintwork, as this will allow water to penetrate into the frames and cause the frames to rot. If this is dealt with immediately it will greatly extend the lifetime of your window frames.
Doors	Check the fitting of the door plus the stain/paintwork, as with the windows this will keep out the weather and extend the life of your doors.
Airgrates	Check to see they are not obstructed or blocked with debris or leaves. If left this may cause your floors to rot. To replace your floor is very expensive.
Damp-proof course	Check to see this has not been "Bridged" with any materials/debris as your damp-proof course prevents rising damp.
Paths	Check the condition of your path (asphalt, concrete, paving flags) for any small holes or cracks. If these are left the whole area will deteriorate and cause a danger both to you and anyone calling at your house.
Fences & Gates	As with windows and doors, check your paintwork to keep out the weather which will prevent rot. If left it could deteriorate and affect the security to your house.
Boundary/Retaining Walls	Check the condition of the bricks and mortar pointing to stop any deterioration and prolong the life of the wall. To replace a wall is very expensive.