New Milton Advertiser 6th Nov 2020

Friday 6th November 2020 · 27

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Services

Linage Deadline: Wednesday. 10.30am 01425 613384 • classifieds@adt.press

What to expect from builders as you get your home ready for winter W ith more of us either working from home or staying in more because of Corona- virus restrictions now is the time to make sure that your flat, house, bungalow or wherever you live is ready for the winter months.

So with the plethora or tradesman around how do you find the right one for you? Ask friends, family and neigh- bours if they know of, or have used, reliable builders. Ask about the quality of the builders' work- manship, costs, and reliability, how long it took them to complete the job and whatever else you feel you need to know. Tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians have invariably built up a network of builders they'll have worked with over the years, so ask for recommenda- tions from tradesmen contacts that you have. If you know anyone involved in the building trade, such as proper- ty buyers and architects, then find out whether they have a reputable builder that they use. Keep an eye out for boards on building sites in your area, but al- ways do your own research too. Check online for reviews and get feedback from people who have used the builders before. Search online for highly-rated builders but check the reviews for yourself – do they sound genuine? Government-backed trustmark. org.uk is a find-a-tradesperson scheme that lists vetted traders. Firms listed on Trustmark have usually been checked for their trading practices, customer ser- vice and technical skills. You will often find recommen - dations of builders from people you know on social media. But here's a word of warning: even though a builder may appear to have built a good reputation on- line, it's still important to find out more about their workmanship from those who have used them directly, if possible.

One of the first appliances to have checked and serviced is the boiler. Looking after your boiler is essential, especially during the winter months. Should it fail and need to be replaced, this can cost up to £2,000 or more to get re- placed. And it’s no fun working on your laptop or tablet in the cold. Before winter fully arrives, make sure your boiler is working proper- ly. The older it is, the more ineffi - cient it'll be. This is because boilers lose pressure over time. Either check yourself or have an engineer or plumber check the pressure gauge on the boiler – the instruc- tion manual will explain how to do this, and how to adjust the pres- sure if needed. For other prob- lems, ask your plumber or arrange for a professional to fix the boiler. You can check the Gas Safe Regis- ter to find a qualified engineer in your area. It's important to keep your roof well-insulated, especially during winter. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) warns that a quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an unin- sulated home Getting a professional to install loft insulation will not only keep more heat in your home, it will also bring down your energy bill and save hundreds each year. All types of fencing supplied and erected Gates & gate posts Trellis, Pergolas & Decking Hedge Clearance Mini Digger & driver hire Fully insured 15 years’ experience Free quotations Call David Drew today for a friendly professional service. T. 01425 613830 M. 07783 075848 www.oakwoodfencing.co.uk oakwoodfencing services@gmail.com OWEN PARKER TREE LOPPING & FELLING, HEDGE TRIMMING, GARDEN WORK & ROOT REMOVAL 21 Auckland Avenue, Brockenhurst Tel. (01590) 624034 GARDENING SERVICES. Lawns, hedging, tree removal and pruning. Lantra certified and insured. Free estimates. — John 07743 299915. SYLVAN GARDEN SERVICES All types of garden maintenance. Hedgework, Fencing and Tree work. No obligation quotes and advice. Professional reliable service » STUMP GRINDING » GARDEN CLEARING Fully insured. Est. 1947. Tel. (01425) 615089 email: sharon@streetandparker.co.uk Kingsmead, 139, Everton Road, Hordle a.w. » TREE SURGERY » TREE FELLING STREET & PARKER STANNARD GARDENING

Choose a reliable builder from trading associations If a builder is a member of a recognised trading association, this is an- other way of sifting out the good guys from the cowboys. It's not obligatory for builders to join a trading body, such as the Feder- ation of Master Builders, the National Federation of Builders, or the Guild of Builders and Contractors. But you'll be giving yourself a level of con- sumer protection by choosing builders and building firms who are mem - bers, plus those who meet Government-endorsed trading standards with the 'TrustMark' seal of approval. A final big no-no to remember when choosing a reliable builder. If an - yone knocks on your door and claims to have spotted structural defects such as on your roof or guttering that may need repairing - just never take their word for it. Always seek professional advice from a reliable builder before giving any work the go-ahead.

Agree costs. Make sure as well that you’re paying just for the builder you have chosen and not for sub-contractors, unless agreed, as otherwise this could have an impact on the final bill. Ask about VAT, and make sure you know where the builder is buying his materials from for the job. If it suits you to do so, pay for work either in stages as it’s com- pleted, or pay for the whole job in a final settlement after comple - tion. Always ask for receipts and keep a written record throughout the course of the work.

When you have found the builder

It’s important to know the damage winter can do to your home and how you can prevent this. You can either check yourself or preferably use a qualified builder, plumber, electrician, roofer or other tradesman to as- sess what needs to be done. As the saying goes: Prevention is better than cure – and either maintaining or repairing now could save you cash in the future. So what should you be on the look out for? The following is a check list: • Check your home’s heating and plumbing system. • Look at the outside – do the walls and wood need sealing and painting? • Check your roof – are there tiles missing or have the seals come way from the chimney? Particularly check if you have any flat roofs.

Timekeeping. Good timekeeping is also a sign of reliability. Builders should only be paid for the hours worked. You won’t want to pay someone who knocks off early and still charges you for a full day’s labour.

First things — A quote should include: a fixed total price - not a daily rate. a breakdown of all the work to be done and the materials needed. separate costs for each material and part of the work Once you have finally found a builder that seems right there are many things to consider before agreeing to hire them. Use the checklist before you give them the job to make sure you are comfortable with the new working relationship. Proof of reliability. Has your builder completed previous building work to the required standard, on time and within the agreed budget?

Check insurance. Make certain the builder is fully, and correctly, insured for the job. You don't want to be left high and dry should things go wrong - so it's wise to check your own insurance policies too. Timescale. Agree with your builder how long the job will take, to minimise disruption and any chance of spiralling costs. Local regulations. If it’s a large job such as an ex- tension or major alteration, make sure from the start that the work your builder undertakes complies with local council regulations. You may need to ask a council official to make an inspection.

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Check your drainage – are puddles building up because of blocked drains from leaves or other debris? Check your security and outside lights systems as they will be more used as the nights close in Check your driveways and patios – do they need repairing, replacing or just cleaned? If you have a chimney get it cleaned by a qualified sweep Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

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References. Ask the builder for references from previous work - and follow these up with a phone call to the relevant householder if necessary. Make sure, too, that the builder has the correct experience and qualifications to take on the task.

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Finally to stay safe – and warm - this winter make a start on getting those jobs done before the first frosts start to bite.

HOUSE CLEARANCE

TV REPAIRS, AERIALS & SATELLITES

FREE small Welsh Dresser 4ft and Orthopaedic bed, single. Must be collected— 01590 644301 / 07979 865895. SEE main advert in Man and Van (Begins ’A Better Delivery’) for details. — 07850 831112.

NEW SHOWROOM OPENING

MDS DIGITAL INSTALLS / SERVICE Digital Aerials / Freeview Sky Digital / Freesat Digital Distribution Systems Telephone Lines / Points Wall Mounted T.V.s FREE SURVEYS / QUOTES FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE TEL: 01590 611011 MOB: 07717 194441 8, Pondside Flats, Beaulieu. experience. No call out charge. 3 years guarantee. — Telephone Craig on 01425 280808. DORSET & HANTS Aerial Services. All aspects of aerial and satellite work undertaken. 20 years

VERY SOON

THE SOUTH’S NUMBER ONE ASPHALT AND TARMACADAM SPECIALISTS

MAN & VAN AND REMOVALS

All commercial and private projects welcome throughout Dorset and Hampshire. Our experienced tradesmen can manage all your ground work requirements including driveways, patios, car parks, and any drainage or brickwork solutions you may need as part of your project. Also available now are a variety of different coloured asphalt to suit your requirements. We're also accredited by local council's and street works for drop kerbs. All work is guaranteed.

A BETTER DELIVERY & REMOVALS FULLY INSURED ANYTHING ANYTIME — ANYWHERE G. Russell, 22 Fawcett Road, New Milton 07850 831112 / 01425 612047 DELIVERY Service. Reliable man with van available for light removals. Bulky items etc. — Please call Gary or Julia Bates, 02380 811779, mobile 07812 671876, Smiley Dog Delivery Service, Tatchbury House, Loperwood, Calmore. WASPS, Wasps Wasps. SPF Pest Control. Rats, mice, fleas, moles, insects etc. Fully insured and qualified. Same day response, 7 day service, no extra charge at weekends. All pests treated. — 01425 627205 / 07584 179205. Steve Felstead, 16 Pegasus Avenue, Hordle. PEST CONTROL

t.c.

Please mention the A&T when responding to these adverts

NEW ROAD SWEEPER & DRAIN GULLY CLEANER FOR HIRE! HOURLY RA TES A V AILABLE WITH FREE WASTE DISPOSAL.

SECURITY SERVICES

SECURITY SERVICES

ULTICOLOUR IS A RANGE OF COLOURED ASPHALTS THAT OFFER QUALITY AND DURABILITY AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF VIBRANT COLOURS THAT BRING OUTDOOR SPACES TO LIFE.

01425 622746 07599 079782

Our office is still open for any enquires or to book an appointment for a site visit & free quotation. Please email us via our website or direct to info@mahart.co.uk or call our office numbers. In themeantime please feel free to browse our website, www.mahart.co.uk . Keepwell & stay safe.

Willow Landscapes

Call / email us to arrange a site visit for quotation at a time that's convenient for you. Visit mahart.co.uk to see before and after images of our most recent projects and customer testimonials Gore Road Industrial Estate, New Milton. BH25 6SA

For all your garden requirements ƒ FENCING ƒ PONDS ƒ DECKING ƒ BRICKWORK ƒ PATIOS ƒ CLEARANCE ƒ TURFING ƒ SHEDS ƒ DRIVES ƒ HEDGE CUTTING OAP Discounts. Fully insured. Phone Mike for a friendly and helpful service Tel: 01590 610231 Mob. 07923 492515 M. Dean, 21 Pound Road, Pennington

WORK GUARANTEED FREE QUOTATIONS COUNCIL ACCREDITED FOR HIGHWAYS H&S CERTIFICATION TO CHAS/SAFE CONTRACTOR & CONSTRUCTION LINE

STORAGE

WASTE DISPOSAL

R ecent clients include:

DUMP IT! RECYCLING We load and remove household, garden, commercial rubbish and asbestos sheet. We also dismantle sheds, etc. DoE licensed. Call Graham on 01425 612047 • 07850 831112 07875 179163 grahammm.russell@gmail.com

storage & workshops in Sway and Lymington Tel: 01590 682694 or 07836 239733 Email: bucklandgranary@ btconnect.com dmg Retirement Trust

BOURNEMOUTH 01202 391931

NEWMILTON 01425 541330

EMAIL INFO@MAHART.CO.UK

• ROAD SWEEPING • CONSTRUCTION SITE CLEANING • POST EVENT CLEANING

• ROAD RESURFACING PREPARATION & AFTER CLEANING • CAR PARK CLEANING

• LEAF COLLECTION • HIGH PRESSURE JETTING • DUST SUPPRESSION • ALL AREAS AVAILABLE

mahart.co.uk