FAQ

How can I tell whether a builder is a ‘cowboy’?
It's important to make sure you employ the right builder for the right job, and that they're capable of delivering the quality you want. Check that your proposed contractor is a member of a recognised and reputable trade association such as The Guild of Master Craftsmen or National Federation of Builders (NFB). Both produce guidelines for choosing the right builder so take a look at their websites.

How do I know my builder will still be around if anything goes wrong?
There are no cast iron guarantees that any company will remain in business indefinitely. That said you'll feel a lot more confident if you know your chosen contractor is established, with proper premises, and doesn’t operate solely from a mobile telephone number. We've have over 25 years experience in home improvements and plan to achieve another 25 years.

How can I be sure I’ll get what I pay for?
Check that you know what is included in the price and whether VAT is included or will be added on top. Noeh Home Improvements will give you a detailed quotation breakdown as part of our price, showing you exactly what's included and what assumptions and provisional costings have been applied.

My builder has asked for 30% of the cost of the work in advance, preferably in cash, to help his cash flow – is that normal?
Never agree to payments in cash as this could land you in trouble with the VAT department at HM Revenue and Customs. It will also weaken your position if you have problems agreeing the final amount payable, especially if you’ve been denied receipts. If your builder has cash flow problems at the start of the project, how can you be confident that he or she will still be in business by the end? Noeh Home Improvements never ask for payment upfront or for cash payments. All payment requests will be to a previously agreed schedule against work actually completed.

How can I be sure that all of the waste from my project is being properly and legally disposed of?
Ask your contractor how his or her company disposes of waste and ask for proof that this will be carried out in a safe and environmentally sustainable way rather than fly-tipping.

I sometimes hear stories of local Council pulling down extensions or prosecuting building owners for unauthorised building works. How can I avoid this?
Check whether your contractors are familiar with Planning, Listed Buildings and Building Regulation procedures and requirements. Noeh Home Improvements has many years of experience of working with local authorities. We've built up a close working relationship with many of the relevant officers and have a common goal in ensuring that the work we do is in accordance with the necessary approvals and stands as a credit to us, the community and our clients.

How long will the job take to complete?
This would really depend upon the nature of the project at hand, and more specifically the individual tasks required within the project. Noeh Home Improvements provides a complete resource when it comes to various building projects, of which include the services of trade professional such as joiners, painters, plasterers and plumbers, however there are times that not all of these trade professionals work at exactly the same time, however as each project is completed the next phase of the project will be attended to by the respective trade professional provided by Noeh Home Improvements. In the unlikely event that any delays will be incurred, these will be fully communicated with our clients.

Are all of your employees qualified and trained?
Yes, we only employ tradesmen of the highest quality and who carry the required qualifications.

How can I pay?
All payments should be made by cheque or bank transfer.

How do I clean my UPVC fascias, guttering and windows?
 Clean surfaces with plenty of clean, warm soapy water (washing-up liquid is suitable) and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth.

There is standing water in the gutter on my conservatory.
The conservatory has a level base and is designed to hold up to 1 inch of standing water at any time, so hopefully this should not cause a problem.

Do you start a job and stay with that job until it is finished.
When we start a job for a customer, we always stay with that job until it is fully completed.