Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with Smarter Build & Maintenance Ltd.
General Questions
Which areas do you cover?
We primarily cover Shrewsbury, Telford, Ludlow, Market Drayton, and the entire Shropshire region. For larger commercial contracts, we may travel further afield.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation quotes for all residential and commercial projects after a site survey.
Are you insured?
Absolutely. We hold comprehensive Public Liability and Employers' Liability insurance to protect your property and our team.
Can you provide references?
Yes, we can provide references from previous satisfied clients upon request.
What are your payment terms?
Typically, we require a deposit to book the slot, with stage payments for larger projects. Final payment is due upon satisfactory completion.
How long have you been in business?
Smarter Build & Maintenance Ltd has been established for several years, with our core team having decades of combined experience in the trade.
Do you offer guarantees?
Yes, all our structural work and installations come with a workmanship guarantee, in addition to manufacturer warranties on materials.
Who manages the project?
You will have a dedicated project manager who will be your single point of contact throughout the build.
Residential Services
Do I need planning permission for an extension?
Not always. Many extensions fall under Permitted Development rights. We can advise you on this and handle planning applications if needed.
How long does a kitchen installation take?
A standard kitchen refit usually takes 2-3 weeks, depending on the complexity of plumbing and electrical work required.
Do you handle Building Regulations?
Yes, we ensure all work complies with current Building Regulations and liaise with inspectors on your behalf.
Can you design my bathroom?
Yes, we offer a design service to help maximize space and select the right fixtures for your budget.
Is my loft suitable for conversion?
We need to check the head height (typically 2.2m min) and roof structure. We offer free feasibility checks.
What causes damp in basements?
Often it's lack of tanking or poor ventilation. We specialize in basement waterproofing systems to cure this.
Can you match my existing flooring?
We can source a wide range of timbers and laminates to match or complement existing floors.
Do you install staircases?
Yes, we supply and fit bespoke timber and glass staircases.
Commercial Services
Do you offer out-of-hours work?
Yes, we understand businesses need to operate, so we can schedule noisy work for evenings or weekends.
What is Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)?
PPM is scheduled servicing of your building's assets (HVAC, electrics, etc.) to prevent breakdown and ensure compliance.
Do you do office partitioning?
Yes, we install glass, stud, and demountable partitions to create meeting rooms and offices.
Are you VAT registered?
Yes, we are fully VAT registered.
Can you handle EICR testing?
Yes, our qualified electricians conduct Electrical Installation Condition Reports for commercial properties.
Do you work with schools?
Yes, our staff are DBS checked where necessary for work in educational settings.
What sectors do you serve?
We work with retail, office, industrial, healthcare, and education sectors.