đź“° The Robbins Construction Ltd Blog: Building Better, Together

Questions you may have for us!!

Saturday 28th November 2020

🤝 Experience & Credentials

"Are you licensed and insured?"

Absolutely, yes. We are a registered private limited company Robbins Construction Ltd and carry comprehensive insurance policies, including Public Liability Insurance to cover any property damage or injury to third parties, and Employer's Liability Insurance to cover our workforce. We are happy to provide certificates for both upon request once a project enters the serious quotation phase. We ensure we conform to all national building standards.

"Do you have experience with projects similar to mine?"

With over 45 years of combined experience within our workforce and management, we have a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of domestic construction and architecturally led projects. Our experience covers:

• Extensions (rear, side infills, and multi-storey)

• Loft Conversions

• Full House Refurbishments (including high-end architectural projects)

• New Builds

• Kitchen and Bathroom Modernisation

If your project is a new build or a complex extension, we can immediately point you to several completed projects of that exact nature.

"Can you provide references and examples of past work?"

Yes, we can. We maintain a portfolio of completed projects on our website, including detailed case studies of our work in locations like Finsbury Park, Kennington, and Hackney. Upon moving forward with a quotation, we would be delighted to provide contact details for past clients whose projects are similar to yours, allowing you to speak directly with them about our quality of work, reliability, and professionalism.

"Are you a member of any trade associations?"

While we are not currently a member of the FMB or NFB, the quality of our work, professionalism, and commitment to standards are our primary accreditations. We work closely with Building Control on all our projects to ensure all statutory requirements are met, and we provide a 10-Year Structural Guarantee on all structural work for your peace of mind.

đź’° Cost & Payment Terms

"What is the total cost, and what does the quote cover?"

We provide a detailed fixed quotation, not just an estimate, once the scope of work is fully defined by architectural drawings and structural details.

The Quote Covers: A detailed breakdown of the costs for labour, materials we supply (e.g., standard structural steel, aggregates), and professional waste removal.

Costs Typically Excluded: Architect/design fees, Building Control fees, final decorating, and client-specific supply items (e.g., sanitaryware, kitchen units, or bespoke flooring) unless they are explicitly itemised in the quote. We ensure the quote is clear and transparent to avoid hidden fees.

"What is the payment schedule?"

We use a standard, fair staged payment plan linked directly to the completion of specific, pre-agreed project milestones. This ensures you only pay for work as it is completed and signed off.

We do not ask for large sums upfront. A small deposit is typically required to secure the start date and cover initial material procurement, followed by scheduled payments upon completing stages like:

Foundations

Water-tight structure

First-fix electrics/plumbing

Project completion

"How will changes to the project affect the cost and timeline?"

We have a clear process for handling 'Change Orders'. If you request a change, or if unforeseen structural issues arise (which we document immediately):

We will pause the affected work section.

We will provide you with a written updated quote outlining the cost, the time impact (if any), and a description of the change.

Work will only proceed on the change once we receive your written and signed approval of the new cost and timeline. This ensures financial transparency at every step.

🗓️ Timeline & Process

"What is the estimated timeline for completion?"

We will provide a realistic and detailed schedule of works as part of our contract. This schedule will outline the key phases (demolition, structure, roof, first-fix, second-fix, etc.) and a target completion date. We manage the project diligently to stick to this timeline, understanding that managing expectations is crucial for a smooth process.

"How will we communicate during the build, and who is my main point of contact?"

Clear, regular communication is essential. Your main point of contact will be the dedicated Project Manager assigned to your build.

Communication Method: We agree on a preferred communication channel (e.g., daily site meeting, weekly email summary, WhatsApp updates).

Updates: We schedule regular formal meetings (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) to review progress, upcoming decisions, and address any concerns promptly. The Project Manager is always contactable during working hours.

"Do you offer a guarantee or warranty for your work?"

Yes, we offer two levels of guarantee:

10-Year Structural Guarantee: All of our structural work (foundations, walls, roof structure, etc.) is covered by our own written 10-year guarantee.

Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG): We can also arrange an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) through our insurance partner. This gives you the peace of mind that an independent insurance policy will honour the terms of our structural warranty in the unlikely event that Robbins Construction Ltd ceases to trade.

We are committed to delivering exceptional quality and providing long-term peace of mind for our clients.

Is there a specific project type you are considering—such as a large extension or a full house refurbishment—that you'd like to discuss the typical process for?