Construction Contracts, Why Are They Needed?

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Oliver Dempsey

tradesman construction contractHi folks,
this article is written for tradesmen and service providers but if you are a customer you will also benefit from reading this article.  A contract is essential as it helps to clarify the details of the job to be done.  It also lessens the chance of any misunderstanding taking place as everything should be in writing and signed off by both parties.   You can find templates for contracts online but if you can afford it, it would be well worthwhile to ask a solicitor to give you a template for a contract that he/she has on their system but more importantly to go through the contract with you and to explain it to you.  If you could get a quote for maybe an hour or two of the solicitor’s time to go through it with you and you will learn a lot from it.  If you are a tradesman or service provider of any kind you should consider asking your local County Enterprise Board to run a short class on drafting contracts that will help you when dealing with your customers.  The County Enterprise Boards are great for supporting local businesses and they will subsidise classes and courses for local businesses in order to help them run a more efficient and profitable business.

A contract should be written in plain English if possible and anyone should be able to understand it.  It shouldn’t contain complicated legal terms.  It should specify in as much detail as possible the work to be done and the materials to be used.  At the most basic level a contract could be a sentence or two in an email, text message or it could be typed or hand written on a piece of paper.  You should get an acknowledgement of the text or email by asking the customer to reply to it to say that they are happy to go ahead on that basis.  If it’s written or typed on a piece of paper you should get the customer to sign it.

Larger projects will have longer contracts and a project such as an attic conversion or house extension should include references to the architect’s drawings and the Quantity Surveyor’s specs etc.  Larger jobs should have a number of stage payments involved and a number of sections on the contract where it is signed by the customer or certifier to say that they are happy with the work to that stage.  You really want to avoid a customer coming back at the end of the project to say that they were not happy with stage 3 if you are now on stage 8.  That is why it is so important to get these stages signed off as you go along.  You can break a job into as many stages as you like, whatever you and the customer are both happy with and as long as it means that your cash flow is not hindered.

Be careful with a customer that starts getting you to do extra stuff that you hadn’t bargained for.  You need to nip this in the bud at an early stage and not let it get out of hand.  If there is extra stuff to be done outside of the contract the customer needs to be made aware of this as soon as possible and get them to sign a piece of paper or reply to a text message or email to say that this is extra work to be billed separately.  This should be got in writing as soon as possible before it gets out of hand.  If you feel pressurised unfairly by a customer at an early stage seek advice from a friend or someone you can trust such as your accountant or solicitor as soon as possible and don’t take all of the pressure on your own shoulders without getting help and support from a third party.  If you agree on some changes to the job with the customer make sure to add it to the contract and get them to sign it or send them a text message or email to confirm what you both agreed.  Back up all your text messages onto a laptop or PC in case you loose any of them.

I have come across a good few disagreements where a simple contract would have solved everything.  A few weeks ago I had a tradesman complaining that he wasn’t allowed to paint the doors of a fitted wardrobe on site and it was going to cost him extra to bring them back to the workshop.  He claimed he had quoted to paint them on site but he had no contract to prove it.

Recently I came across a tradesman who took an order for a double PVC door.  Nobody mentioned what colour it should be and the tradesman took it for granted that it should be white.  However after ordering the doors the customer said the doors should be cream.  A contract would have prevented this misunderstanding from happening or at least it would protect the tradesman in the event of any disagreement afterwards.   I cannot emphasise enough the importance of having a contract for every job that you do and I really hope that this article will convince you to use contracts in the future or to get as much stuff in writing as possible.

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
7th January 2013

Related Keywords: tradesman contracts, building contracts, builders contracts

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Results and Video of our Christmas Draw 2012

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey

Christmas DrawHi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback. So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in November was held on December 1st and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Mary Church, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 and the 2nd prize of €30 went to Elaine Byrne, Swords, Co Dublin. Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone. You can see the video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So What are you Waiting for? Post your Job Today and Get up to 4 Quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen:-)  And finally I’d like to wish you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.  Thanks for your continued support which we appreciate so much we look forward to being with you again in the New Year!:)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
22th December 2012

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition, builders competition

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Result and Video of our November Draw 2012

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey

Yippee!!!Hi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback. So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in October was held on December 1st and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Sean Bracken, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

frank brown clondalkin

 

The 2nd prize of €30 went to Frank Brown, Clondalkin Village,  Dublin 22. Thanks to Frank for sending us in your photo:)

 

Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone. You can see the video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So What are you Waiting for? Post your Job Today and Get up to 4 Quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen:-)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
12th December 2012

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition, builders competition, contest winners, cash prize winners, competition entries or entrants

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Burglar Alarms – Tips to Protect Your Home

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey
Burglar AlarmHi folks,
today, in a follow up from our previous article on security- 10 Easy Ways to Prevent a Burglary, we give you 8 tips on how to use burglar alarms more effectively to protect your home.  First let’s have a look at 3 different types of security alarms and explain how they work:-
1) Dummy alarms- A Dummy alarm is one that looks like an alarm but it doesn’t actually do anything.  The hope is that the appearance of the alarm on the gable end of your home will put off burglars from attempting a break in.  Although providing by far the cheapest type of alarm security, a dummy alarm is the weakest type of security out of our three possible choices and if you have little or no money to spend on your home security it’s certainly better than nothing.
2) Bells only systems–  Arguably, the most common type of alarm in Ireland. This system, when triggered, rings an alarm internally and externally, warning off possible intruders. Its only drawback is that it is unable to alert the local authorities. This system will cost less than a monitored alarm and significantly more than a ‘dummy’ alarm. DIY installation is not looked on favourably  by the security industry, who argue that installation is a skilled task, with burglars able to easily notice at a glance between DIY models and professionally installed systems.
3) Monitored alarm system– This means of security is by far the most expensive, as maintenance and monitoring costs still exist.  However, in the event of a burglary, the Gardai are automatically informed and will immediately respond. This system requires a minimum of two appointed keyholders who must know how to operate the alarm, be able to attend an activation within 20 minutes, be contacted by telephone/mobile and have their own transport.  It’s your – the owner’s – responsibility to inform your alarm company if your keyholder is on holiday and provide them with suitable alternatives.
Some Tips for to make the most out of your alarm system
  1. Make sure to set the alarm when you are not in the house or when you are going to bed.  Many homes are broken into because the owner forgets to set the alarm!
  2. Make sure to have your alarm serviced regularly to make sure it is working correctly.  An alarm system is not much good unless it is actually working and there’s no point in finding out that it’s not working after the burglars have broken in.
  3. Most alarm systems have sensors which detect when doors or windows are opened and/or motion sensors that detect movement inside of the home.  Make sure to clear cobwebs regularly from motion sensors as something as small as a spider passing infront of the sensor can set it off.  It could cost you an unnessary call out fee to get your alarm specialist out to diagnose it if the alarm is regularly being set off in this way.
  4. Consider putting extra protection around the alarm box that is attached to the outside of your home.  There have been cases recently of burglars ripping the alarm box off of the wall and throwing it in a bucket of water to disable it.  If you can get a fitter/welder to fix a steel bracket around the alarm box it will help to prevent this from happening.
  5. Check with your insurance company to see if they require a certain standard of alarm system to cover your home for theft (fire also!).  Insurance companies are very quick to accept your money when you are paying for your home insurance but they often neglect to point out that certain restrictions apply which might mean you are not covered at all because of inadequate security alarm or locks.
  6. Always remember that nomatter how good your alarm system is, it is no substitute for good locks so make sure to have all doors and windows securely locked with high standard locks as a first level of defense against burglars.  Ask a locksmith to do a security audit of your home if you are unsure.
  7. Ensure all alarm installers are PSA licensed in order to carry out alarm installation and maintenance.  See further information at http://www.psa.gov.ie/Website/psa/psa.nsf/legislationDownload?openform .
  8. And lastly develop a good relationship with your neighbours, ask them to look out for any suspicious activity in or around your home when you are not there.  Ask them to feel free to check it out if the alarm goes off and to call the Gardai if necessary.  Be sure to offer the same support for your neighbour in return.  If your neighbour does alert you of any suspicious activity or even a false alarm, get them a little gift to say thanks because it is important to express your gratitude and encourage them to continue to keep an eye out for you in the future!:)
The usual rules apply with selecting an alarm installer for the job, make sure to get references, insurance details and any other information that you need to make sure that you are totally happy with the alarm installer that you choose.  And yes make sure they are PSA licensed installers.  Getting advice and quotes from a number of alarm installers ensures that you get the most information to make an informed choice. Always check whether the prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.I hope this helps some of you who are looking at improving the standard of security for your home and if you decide to go ahead with updating your alarms you can get a number of http://www.tradesmen.ie/trade/alarms and get up to 4 quotes fast from rated tradesmen!
CheersConor HoganTradesmen.ie10 December 2012

Do you have any security tips or questions or comments to make on this article? If so we’d love to hear from you, please feel free to share them with us using the feedback form below?

Here are more security related articles below:-

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/door-locks-explained-most-common-types-features-etc

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/ten-easy-ways-to-prevent-a-burglary

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2013/02/security-camera-tips-for-the-home

Posted in tips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

10 Easy Ways to Prevent a Burglary

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey

a burglar breaking in the window of a houseContinuing on from our earlier blog, ‘Door locks explained most common types, features etc’, we continue our search into
simple ways of securing your home at a minimal cost. While planning the raid, a thief must be certain that he can enter/exit
the house quickly, without too many restrictions. If a house contains a decent standard of security, it would mean a less
likely chance of a raider even attempting to gain access, as they will be put off by their only means of entry being broken glass.

Today, we provide ten unique ways to help your home achieve optimum security:
1) If you are away from home for a certain length of time, holidays, business trip etc, cancel all milk and newspaper deliveries.
2) Where possible, ensure that ladders are stored away. If they must be kept outside, fasten them to a wall with special brackets and securing it with a padlock.
3) Make sure that your shed door is padlocked with a high quality padlock. If not, a burglar can use the tools stored there for the break-in. For example, even a spade can be of great aid to the thief if he needs a strong lever to open a window.
4) Leave lights and a radio/TV on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lights to automatic timers to turn them on at night and off during the day.  Also, consider asking a neighbour to park their car in your driveway.
5) Locks should be fitted to any windows near flat roofs, trees and drainpipes as they are easily accessed by thieves.
6) Valuable possessions should be marked with an ultra-violet marker to help police, in the case of their theft, assist their swift return. Metal objects can be marked with hammer-and-letter punches.
7) Never have your address and name marked on your keys, in case you lose them.  Someone who says that they have found your keys might be just looking for a way
of getting you out of the house, while they use the keys for easy entry.
8 ) Never, ever, leave any window open when you leave your house, even an upstairs one.
9) Don’t leave keys inside a letterbox, in a lock or, most commonly, under a mat.
10) High hedges and shrubs should be avoided as they can hide a thief from the road or from neighbours.

By following these steps, a safer environment can be created at home and burglars are less likely to break into your home. These safety methods are also cheap and very effective in that they’ll force thieves away while at the same time not being an eye sore to other locals!

In addition to the free ways of avoiding a burglary listed above you should also educate yourself on the benefits of using the higher standard alarm systems, Security Camera Systems and locks for your home.  Read as much information as you can about these systems and if you are interested in installing any of them get advice and quotes from a number of experts before going ahead with it.  The usual rules apply with selecting the right person for the job, make sure to get references, license or insurance details and any other information that you need to make sure that you are totally happy with the tradesman that you choose.  Also, remember to check whether the prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.  In the UK many security related trades are required to carry an SIA license and in Ireland they are required to carry a PSA license so make sure to ask for the Security license number where relevant.

I hope this helps some of you who are looking at improving the standard of security for your home or business and if you feel this information is worthwhile please feel free to ‘Like’, Tweet or Google + this article or to share it with your friends.

Cheers
Conor Hogan
Tradesmen.ie
29 November 2012

Do you have any security tips or questions or comments to make on this article? If so we’d love to hear from you, please feel free to share them with us using the feedback form below?

Here are more security related articles below:-
http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/door-locks-explained-most-common-types-features-etc

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/12/burglar-alarm-tips-what-to-look-for

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2013/02/security-camera-tips-for-the-home

Posted in tips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Result of our October Competition 2012

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey

Tradesmen.ie October Competition ResultsHi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback.  So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in September was held on October 23rd and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Teresa Kehoe, Bray, Co. Wicklow and the 2nd prize of €30 went to Ciaran Coyle, Finglas, Dublin 11.  Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone.  You can see the video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So What are you Waiting for?  Post your Job Today and Get up to 4 Quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen:-)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
10th November 2012

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition, builders competition

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Door locks explained most common types, features etc.

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey

With crime on the increase in Ireland, locks are becoming an essential component for homeowners across the nation. According to The Irish Times, 28th September 2012, the rate of non-aggravated burglaries has shot up by 10% since 2011, as the economic recession continues to thrive. Today we provide for you the three most common types of door locks in Ireland, giving a brief description for each:

1)   Mortise deadlock: A single bolt lock which is inserted into a hole, the mortise, which has been cut into the edge of the door. These locks are all the same size, meaning that an old two- lever mortise dead lock can be replaced by a new five lever model of exact same size. A five lever lock will cost more but provides better security than a two or three lever lock.      

 5 lever mortise deadlock

 

 

 

 

 

2)   Sashlock: Joins a latch and bolt and has a handle either side of a door. These locks are mainly fitted to back or side doors. This lock only contains two or three levers, giving weaker security in comparison to the deadlock

 Sashlock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3)   Cylinder nightlatch: This lock goes onto the rim of the door with a latch turned back by a key from the outside and a handle from the inside. Decent standard models of these locks have the British Standards Institution and BS 3621 written on them. These locks can be easy for burglars to open because if they break the glass in the door, they can just reach in and turn the latch. If locking from inside, always ensure that the key is kept near the door in case of a fire.

cylinder nightlatch

In general you will pay more for the better locks.  The cheaper locks will cost between €10 and €20 to buy whereas the more secure locks will cost from €50 upwards.  Therefore it is important when getting quotes from locksmiths to ensure that they are all quoting you for the same standard of lock.

The usual rules apply with selecting a locksmith for the job, make sure to get references, insurance details and any other information that you need to make sure that you are totally happy with the locksmith that you choose.  Getting advice and quotes from a number of locksmiths ensures  that you get the most information to make an informed choice.   Always check whether the prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.

I hope this helps some of you who are looking at door locks for your home and if you decide to go ahead with updating your locks you can get a number of locksmith quotes here and get up to 4 quotes fast from rated tradesmen!

Cheers
Conor Hogan
Tradesmen.ie
2 November 2012

Do you have any tips or questions or comments to make on this article? If so we’d love to hear from you, please feel free to share them with us using the feedback form below?

Here are more security related articles below:-

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/11/ten-easy-ways-to-prevent-a-burglary

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2013/02/security-camera-tips-for-the-home

http://blog.tradesmen.ie/2012/12/burglar-alarm-tips-what-to-look-for

Posted in diy, tips | Leave a comment

Result of our September Competition 2012

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey

CongratulationsHi folks,

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback.  So not only do you get up to 4 quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen but you could also win a cash prize as well!

The draw for everyone who provided feedback in August was held on October 23rd and the 1st prize of €100 cash went to Jean McCarthy, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin and the 2nd prize of €30 went to Philip Cush, Lusk, Co. Dublin.  Congratulations to you both and thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our site as it helps to improve the experience for everyone.  You can see a video of the draw below:-

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!

So What are you Waiting for?  Post your Job Today and Get up to 4 Quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen:-)

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
29th October 2012

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition, competition results, draw results, Irish competition

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Bathroom Renovation Cost Survey

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey

bathroom renovation costHi folks,
recently we carried out a quick survey of bathroom renovation costs from tradesmen listed on our site.   We asked them for rough prices for tiling a bathroom floor to ceiling and replacing the sanitary ware (labour only) with a minimum and maximum price.  We also asked if they could give a minimum and maximum price for tiles and sanitary ware if they had time.  The bathroom size we gave them was 2.40metres x 1.80metres.

Here is a sample of the replies we received below:-

John F: labour. min 600 max 900
materials. sanitary ware min 250 max 500.
materials. tiles min 700 max 1000

—————————–

 Driss L: price for that bathroom it wil be 900 euro for pluming and tiling

 —————————–

 Rory C: tiling a bathroom floor to ceiling and replacing the sanitary ware labour only. Approx €300 – €500 replace sanitary. And between €8 – €15 per sq meter for tiling

 —————————–

 Peter S: For size of bathroom that you mentioned min price has to be 1400.00. Max price 1950.00 ( if there is not any changes in pluming connections )

This is for floor tiling, walls tiling and fittings replacing. ( labour only )

There is not maximum price for fittings and tiles as I have seen tiles for €120 per sqm and very expensive fittings for over €5000.00

Minimum price for fittings is around €320 ( bath with taps, basin with taps and toilet with cistern )

Minimum price for tiles is €450 ( wall tiles and floor tiles )

 —————————–

 Pat Y: Tiler & plumber approx  e850- e1000 inc vat. for basic suite in same position with ceramic tiles.

 —————————–

 Des M: Rough price, total e1925  .tiling e800 plumbing e1125. Normally like to see job

 —————————–

 Richard O: Around  e1200

 —————————–

Apart from the price provided by Des and Peter I think the rest of the quotes were reasonably consistent.  Labour was working out at between 900 and 1200 on average and the tiles and sanitory ware can range from €800 – €1500 but you can really pay anything depending on what you are looking for.

The most important thing when hiring a tradesman is to get as many references as possible and ideally if you could go and see work that they have done if you really want to be satisfied.  When letting anyone carry out work in your home you should ask them to show what insurance cover they have and if you necessary to show it to your own insurance advisor to make sure you are adequately covered.  Always make sure to compare like with like.  For example some tradesmen may quote to replaster the walls after the old tiles are removed and others may not.  And as with all jobs you get what you pay for so don’t be tempted to go with the cheapest quote,  you will be far better off to go with the tradesman who is more likely to do the best quality work at a higher price.

One of the tradesmen made the point that you should only hire someone who is using seperate tradesmen for each part of the job.  He said that there should be a seperate tiler and plumber involved and a seperate electrician where there is electrics involved.  For example with the electric shower it should be wired back the whole way to the fuse box and have it’s own RCD thing-a-me-jig to protect someone from getting electrocuted.  I would recommend only using an electrician who is a current member of RECI or ECSSA  to carry out any electrical work.

Always check whether the prices are inclusive or exclusive of VAT.  One more thing, please consider using an escrow payment facility to manage the payments and to safeguard both you and the contractor.

I hope this helps some of you who are planning to renovate your bathroom and if you decide to go ahead with it you can get a number of bathroom renovation quotes here and get up to 4 quotes fast from rated tradesmen!

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie

Here are some other articles that you might be interested in below:-

Window and Door Cost Survey

Flooring Cost Survey

Tiling Cost Survey

House Painting Cost Survey

Posted in Price Comparisons | 2 Comments

Samsung Galaxy Tab Competition Results August 2012

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Oliver Dempsey


Hi folks

Each month we have a draw for cash prizes for everyone who posts a job on our site and provides feedback.  Feedback is really important to provide up to date information on the quality of the tradesmen and how they are performing.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Wifi and 3GTherefore, 6 months ago we decided that as well as our monthly draw for a cash prize, that we would offer 2 Samsung Galaxy Tabs worth 600euro each as prizes in two seperate draws for everyone who hired a tradesman and posted feedback.  The first Galaxy Tab was for everyone who hired a tradesman and provided feedback in February, March and April and the second Galaxy Tab was for everyone who hired a tradesman and provided feedback in May, June or July.  Last Friday we held the draw for that competition and the winner was Ciara Kelly, Collins Avenue, Dublin 9.  Congratulations to Ciara and thanks to everyone who took part in the competition.  You can see the video of the competition by clicking on the image above.

And don’t forget that everyone who posts a job and provides feedback will be entered in a draw at the end of each month to win a cash prize!  So what are you waiting for?  Post your job today and Get up to 4 Quotes Fast from Rated Tradesmen🙂

Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
Tradesmen.ie
28th August 2012

Related Keywords: Ireland free competition,Samsung  competition results, draw results, Irish competition

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