Using an iPlans approved Builder

iPlans are delighted to offer approved builders that we have worked with on numerous projects, who would be able to quote on your scheme. These are builders that previous clients have worked with and would recommend. 

You will still need to carry out your due diligence and be careful on payments made, so that a builder is only paid for work that has been completed and in line with the overall project costs. 

These are usually staged payments and weekly payments should be avoided unless all works have been completed in that week. If an unscrupulous builder gets ahead on payments, there is no incentive for them to complete the project and you will pay a lot more to get another builder involved in a project half way through. 

 Large deposits should be avoided for the same reason, as most builders have accounts for building materials and pay their staff or contractors monthly, so there is no need to pay large sums of money upfront. Large deposits usually indicate cash flow or financial problems. 

“iPlans are happy to work with your own builder, who may have been recommended by a family member or friend, but the same due diligence needs to be carried out.”

We would recommend a JCT minor works contract that protects yourself and your builder and is a simple contract that both parties should be happy to sign up to.

Although iPlans does not offer a project management service, we do stay with you during the build process, along with your building inspector to help ensure you get a good build. 

Ultimately the building inspector will inspect your project at key stages to make sure it complies with current building regulations and should be your first point of contact. 

But if you want to email, call or arrange a WhatsApp conference call with us, we are there to help. 

Why do we offer this service?

The reason for offering this free service is simple. We have designed your project, which involves our in-house Chartered Structural Engineer and means we can provide a one stop shop. 

Unfortunately, a lot of the larger residential online companies do not employ a structural engineer and sub the work out to a third party. This means that if there is a poor initial design, who is responsible

“With iPlans we take responsibility and provide that single point of contact, that you or your builder can use.” - Ant Bray / iPlans Director