Building Work - Expensive!

[legal girl]

We want to have an extension to our three bedroom semi and have found building quotes to be so much more than we and our architect initially thought. The 20% VAT rate isn't helping.....! Have seen on telly that some colleges run a scheme whereby students come and do work for you, supervised by lecturers which saves money. Any ideas where I can find out about this?

[bednobs]

at a college?

[legal girl]

Thanks for that bednobs - have contacted local colleges and am waiting to hear. However, wondered whether there was a national website for it.

[The Builder]

Sounds like a good scheme. I've never come across it though, so I'm sorry I can't help.
This VAT business............ one of the (legal) ways of getting around it is to open your own account at a local builders' merchants. They'll be only too glad to have your business, and you'll get trade prices etc.
Then, hire local tradesmen who are NOT VAT registered. Get a "labour only" quote from them ........... you provide the materials.
It would need co-operation and compromise from both sides to make it work, but it's often done.

[Nosha123]

and in additiona to The Builders post above.. remember... cheap can be expensive!!! Be sure to get references from the builder...!!!

[legal girl]

Thanks for the good advice guys.