Choosing a builder

We recommend that you thoroughly check any builder out before employing their services.

Here are some things you should consider:

• Know who your builder is. Sounds daft, but some people only know their builder by their first name and mobile number.
• Do any of your family of friends recommend them?
• Have they successfully carried out the work that you want them to do before? It’s now a legal requirement that builders (and designers) should not take on work that they are not competent to do. Unfortunately, the onus is on the client to find that out.
• Have you got plans showing compliance with Building Regulations? If not, how will builders, understand what you want, and be able to price for it?
• If there are no plans, ensure that the builder is aware that they may incur both design and construction liability for any compliance issues (with Building Regulations)
• Good practice is to always get three quotations, not automatically go for the cheapest.
• A simple written contract may will protect you from unexpected cost increases, delays, and poor workmanship.
• Find out how they want to be paid and be careful if upfront payments are requested.
• Find out if they are properly insured including for any defects which may appear at a later date.
• Ask about the skills and experience of people they use, especially sub contractors. Establish if any of them (e.g. especially electricians and gas fitters) are registered on a relevant competent person scheme
• We often find that builders forget to notify us of completion, which can then cause you unnecessary work and aggravation, so we would advise you not to pay any final account until successful completion of the work, and we have issued our completion certificate.
• Keep documented evidence of communications with your builder, especially where this relates to project changes, costs, payments and timescales etc.
• Always use registered competent persons where possible
• Does the work involve the preparation of plans only, or is site supervision part of the package?
• If you consider your job so small you don’t need a professional, get advice from someone in the industry who you know and trust.
• Ask questions of the builder – such as where have they worked before. Are they happy for you to see their work?
• Can they supply references from satisfied clients? Contact these past clients and ask them about the quality of the builder’s work as well as their work habits etc.
• Will they agree to independent arbitration should you have any dispute?

If you need extra help and advice, we recommend that you contact a relevant trade organisation, or registration scheme.