builder quotes

[Taz]

Getting some quotes for some work and one of the companies interested have said they are not VAT registered and not listed anywhere I can find.

Gut instinct is to avoid.
Thoughts ?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Go with your gut. Walk away, don't look back.

If there is a problem where will you find them? If you can't see them listed anywhere, how long have they been going, why are they not listed? We are getting some work done this week, small job but still a few hundred quid. Without a company address, FB page or website, reviews or recommendations I would not have touched them. Not being VAT registered just means they are small so that is less of an issue, although still a bit of a flag.

It's 2018 and being visible and traceable should be basic for any decent firm. Walk away

 

[Deleted member 18121]

It seems unlikely, but their turnover could be so small that (as a sole trader) they dont need to register for VAT. My recent removal firm was in the same situation and I did not pay VAT for their service.

 

[MegaSteve]

I tend to only go with tradesmen that come with a recommendation from someone known to me... Or, if I've seen examples of works completed by them...

 

[Lord Tyrion]

It seems unlikely, but their turnover could be so small that (as a sole trader) they dont need to register for VAT. My recent removal firm was in the same situation and I did not pay VAT for their service.

Not a real problem for a removal firm as they are not buying in raw materials but for a builder they are missing out big time on reclaiming VAT. Possible as you say, but still a flag to think of.

 

[Hobbit]

The threshold is only £83k. Can't be doing much trade if the turnover is less than £83k. If its building work at home, I always go with recommendations. There usually someone in a golf club who knows someone or has had work done.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Dont you have any builders you play with?
I play with a couple, one I used for a porch and did an excellent job.