We are glad to share with you our first publication on the magazine LaNotiziaLondra on page 13, you can read the article written in Italian.

SMLaNotiziaLondraXX1web.pdf (smphotonewsagency.com)

Below is the translation in English for everyone:

Cowboy builders are the builders who want to rob you and you and unfortunately there are some.

1. They tell you about the work they have done but they don't give you a reference. A reputable builder will be happy to provide you with references that you can contact and a portfolio of previous work executed. A builder who refuses to show you their CV or grant access to its satisfied customers is shady.

2. Quotes and estimates are invitingly low. Be sure you receive two or three estimates before making any commitment. However, a cowboy builder will push you to take, make a decision and sometimes defend his low prices by telling you that he just finished a project in your neighborhood and that he has some gods left materials, hence the low price.

3. They want advance payment. A reputable builder will receive a down payment from you and will go forward for to complete the project before asking you for the full payment (usually 15% in advance) or be paid according to progress and agreed steps.

4. They don't want to sign/give you a contract. As a general rule, always put a contract in writing and make sure you have a legal contract binding mind that indicates all this which concerns the agreement,from the materials to the estimates, the duration of the projects and the payment terms. If you don't have a contract, you are at the mercy of these boys and you may end up paying more or have an incomplete project.

5. If the builder insists on being paid in cash, refusing to pay VAT and does not provide you with an adequate quote, you are in the presence of a cowboy builder. Businesses legitimate companies operate according to the rules.If they are willing to cheat on taxes,it is evidently an old bell warnings to pay attention to. Not you should pay cash because, you can't get your money back in case of problems, but with a credit card you are protected to some extent.

6. You can't find an address registered commercial. Collaborate with reputable organizations you can reach out when you have a complaint, don't with the one that is there until you make the payment and then runs away.

7. The workforce continues to change be aware If the people you see today don't they are the same ones you will meet on the day no later, you definitely have to do

with a poor builder. Before to make any commitment, ask them what kind of traders they will be present on the site; if they are contractors or part of the team. If they are

independent professionals, it is necessary ask who is responsible for project management; otherwise you're in trouble. As a general rule, work always with a construction company with servants complete uncle who does not outsource to the part of the project and has an expert internal team to carryout your job. It's for your safety both

financially and mentally.

8. The cowboy builder continue to appear and disappear for hours. It's likely that he's working on something too project together with yours. Can one of two things happen. Or yours project is abandoned for a period that costs you more money,or they vanish completely into thin air,leaving your renovation project homeless on.

9. Defects and work continue to feel In fact, on a construction site yes they will present unexpected challenges, that's it because legitimate builders have budget for contingencies. A builder cowboy will continue to show up problems that need to be resolved and will offer to do it for a small fee, putting yours to the test patience and your wallet. 70% of homeowners said to have spent more than 30% of their own budget to carry out a renovation.

10. One of the worst accidents in the history of the United Kingdom,the fire of Grenfell Tower, it happened because a cowboy builder decided to reduce the quality of materials from construction. The responsible contractor he was not aware of the project of the building regulations and codes safety. Have a builder who operates to the highest standards essential if you want one structurally sound home is built to last.

The bad builders worried unless you take precautions. Slight negligence could cause injuries and serious health risks of everyone involved, including you.

And being the owner of the house, you will also be responsible for anyone who gets injured while working at home your. Question them about everything they know

on best construction practices so that no damage occurs and stay well informed. What do I have seen, a project of a loft where the steel beams had been supported

you without welding, very dangerous for anyone it was the below. You can protect yourself having everything in writing and asking giving a guarantee. Check the references

,talk to people who have done the work and, if possible,look at the Work. Ask your family for advice and your friends. Get several preventives and remember, the cheapest is not always a saving. It is necessary dedicate the same time and energy looking for a good builder and professional in the same way you get closer when you hire an employee. After all, your home is the most important thing important part of your life!

Natalia Giacomino Architects