Okay this is a very long shot, but after wasting 2 years with plenty of idiots who take ages to come up with quotes... and then don't...

Is there anyone on here who is or knows someone who would be willing to take on a house extension project, expanding the two existing top floors of our house?

Really losing the will to live and we need the space urgently for the kids after some other cowboys managed to up so much we had to settle for a room less.

Anyone? Anywhere? We can provide a place to stay.

Speak to Magooagain as i believe he is in the building trade in France.

Good shout I was going to say magooagain

We're getting an extension done at the moment, about half way in, so the external part is virtually complete (brickwork done, roof on, windows in, scaffolding will be coming down shortly) but the fun/mess begins soon, with internal walls to be removed, more steel beams inserted and all the internal walls/doors to be erected, then all the electrics/plumbing and bathrooms/kitchen to be fitted.

Klaas, are you really contemplating hiring an "overseas" builder? It's rare (impossible?) to find a builder that can do absolutely everything: whilst they may have their own trade, they're unlikely to be good enough in all the trades you'll need, ie: bricklayers, roofers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, glaziers, plasterers, etc. Whilst some builders will employ their own team with some of those trades, they'll still sub-contract to others. And they need to be familiar with the local building regulations and standards, inspection/certification regime, materials suppliers, etc. I think it's very tall order!

But then again, you may find a local gang similar to the characters in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet

All the plans are drawn so regulations etc. taken care of. Yes we need someone who can tear part of the roof off, build a flat roof and extend walls - plans are to do that in wood as well.

I did all that stuff myself when we ran into the previous cowboys, just no time anymore now. No need for electricians really, neither for plasterers and nothing serious with regards to walls being thrown down. It's virtually a 'backpack' on the existing flat roof. The redt - drywalls, electricity, heating,... I can do myself although some help would really be appreciated.

We just need someone who actually comes not just to listen and make promises, then just disappear. The architect drew the plans specifically to make it easy for anyone. It's just that 90% of builders in Belgium are a bunch of worthless lazy complaining lowlifes. It's two years now and we've asked 9 companies to come up with a quote. Same shit as 5 years ago.

PS Dave - if anyone has an address of someone in Belgium who does more than just sit in a sofa, it also qualifies.

Well, since my wife is an architect and we did a lot of house restoration we know a lot of builders. Both good and bad. Including the ones you do want. But I had a look at the distance, it's 123 km's from where I live.

What are the going rates for builders in Belgium (excl VAT)?

pm sent.

Hey Jaaps,

There's no real rates as such. Just quotes. They just put everything together: hours, tools, materials,... At least that's what I know from others. Not like we ever got a quote.

Magoo - pm conversation started.