Things Builders Can & Can’t Do
By Rise Construction - Published 06 Oct 2023
With everchanging regulations and standards, the construction industry can be an unpredictable environment, making it difficult to stay informed. View below some of the most common FAQs and associated answers which address the things builders can and can’t do.
Can my builder ask for more money ?
When further work is required, your builders' request for more money may be valid. During the course of a typical project, it is not uncommon for builders to discover underlying problems unknown to their clients, like for example, hidden water leaks and moisture problems.
Just ensure that any (potential) cost additions are carefully reviewed and deemed proportionate to the degree of skill/difficulty involved. However, if no unforeseeable costs arise, requests of this nature may simply be unwarranted.
Can my builder cancel my contract ?
This all depends on the terms and conditions set out in your contract agreement. In some cases, building projects may not go according to plan. For example, builders can fail to deliver on service quality and/or clients can fail to pay their invoices.
Contracts are created and signed for a reason. If your builder has not fulfilled their duties and is attempting to cancel your contract through no fault of your own, then you may have grounds to explore remedial action via appropriate legal routes.
Can my builder work on evenings ?
Builders can work on evenings but only if certain conditions are met. Firstly, the proposed works must not generate significant noise pollution - in accordance with 'The 1974 Pollution Control Act' (PCA). Lack of compliance not only risks you falling out with your neighbours, but can also leave your builder at further risk of falling on the wrong side of the law.
The final condition that must be met is the provision of adequate lighting. This requirement falls under health and safety regulations, and the onus lies with the builder to provide for this both on site and in their risk assessments.
Can my builder work on weekends ?
Like evening work, weekend work is also regulated by the PCA (1974). By law, noisy work on weekends is limited between the hours of 8am-1pm on Saturdays, and is not permitted on Sundays (nor bank holidays).
However, if the proposed works present a low noise pollution risk, then you and your builder may be able to proceed, granted that no further permissions and licenses are required from local authorities or housing associations.
Resources:
Do You Require A Builder Who Is Compliant With Industry Regulations?
If so, contact Rise Construction today.
T: 029 200 259 44 | E: info@risecn.co.uk
