[jonin60seconds]

Have you seen this service? http://www.mybuilder.com/

What do you think of it?

MyBuilder is an online marketplace that brings together consumers, builders and tradesmen, offering an open and transparent platform that promotes and supports high-quality work.

[montyzuma]

I think your post contravenes the gumtree rules

5. No SPAM, commercial advertisement or links to promote other websites – this includes using a company name as your username or having a commercial link in your signature.

and i will be forced to report you to jon

hang on a minute..........

there are other smilar sites discussed here
http://forums.gumtree.com/topic90534-25.html

[jonin60seconds]

Ha ha! you might just be right! Although we can be assured that I am not posting it for commercial reasons. I just thought it is a good idea for a service that the Gumtree community should know about. *Exercises moderator's discretion*

[montyzuma]

organises mods quorum and censures jon

Do you have any tie to said site?


the problem with any of these sites
is that they are set up as a money maker for the site founder
and most are subject to abuse
ie how do you know the tradesman is a good un and simply hasnt puffed himself

[jonin60seconds]

Not sure, thats why I want to open up the discussion to the board and see if people think the service is a good idea, even though I do. (It's better than nothing right?)

[montyzuma]

now if you are going by a recommendation for a builder who has done his own feedback.

they tend to be a bit regional ie no use for scotland

a guy who works at aberdeen uni did one called www.goodnightvienna.com which was similar but didnt ask for money

are you thinking of having some work done?

[jonin60seconds]

Well looking to buy a house in the next few months that I can do up so starting to do my research

[montyzuma]

MY ADVICE WOULD BE START LOOKING FOR A MORTGAGE FIRST,
get a mortgage in principle and that will let you know what you can afford. If you are not a UK national or are freelance or have no credit history or dont have a 25% deposit. you may be struggling.

have a look at the motley fool web site for best mortgages

builders are desparate at present you might get a deal through them

if you are a first time buyer looking to buy a fixer-upper you may struggle even more for a mortgage.

[jonin60seconds]

thanks for the advice monty!

[alison164]

I hate all these "recommendation websites" which are springing up out of nowhere - however, I've been using the trade organisation safetrade for the last 3 years and I think it's brilliant as they actually vet tradesmen rather than just relying on feedback which is normally from tradesmen friends or even themselves!

check it out and let me know what you think - I've just moved to london from the north east and i've spoken to them about london coverage and been told that the service is free to london tradesmen at the moment so it will be available here soon too.

in the meantime - i'm looking for a good roofer as i don't know anyone in the area so if anyone has any recommendations let me know!

[alison164]

oh yea, website is http://www.safetrade.org.uk

[jonin60seconds]

Hey, thats a good lead thanks Alison. Anyone on the board know a good roofer in London?

[alison164]

thanks! I need a complete reroof so if anyone could help it would be appreciated! I live in hampstead.

[nts2006]

don't blame me if it goes wrong but I found a roofer via www.EasyTradeQuotes.co.uk. Good Luck

[jonin60seconds]

Hey NTS well done on your first post! Even if it did take you 3.5 years to do it! That must be a record!

Anyway, thanks for the tip!