Are you looking to hire a builder for your next construction project? Choosing the right contractor can be a daunting task, with so many options to consider and various factors to take into account. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some tips and guidelines to help you find a reliable, skilled, and trustworthy builder. From checking references and comparing quotes to considering their relevant experience and insurance coverage, we'll cover all the bases to ensure that you make an informed decision. So whether you're looking to build an extension, renovate a kitchen, or undertake any other construction work, read on for some helpful advice on selecting the right builder for your project.

1 Check if they have relevant experience

When choosing a builder, it is essential to consider their relevant experience in the specific type of work you need to be done. While many builders may have general construction skills, it is important to ensure that they have specific experience in the type of project you are undertaking. For example, if you are planning a kitchen renovation, you should look for a builder who has a track record of successful kitchen remodels. Similarly, if you are planning a commercial office refurbishment, it is important to find a builder who has experience in commercial projects.

In addition to specific experience in the type of work you need done, it is also important to consider a builder's knowledge of current building regulations. Building codes and regulations can be complex, and it is essential to ensure that your builder is up-to-date on these requirements and able to adhere to them during the construction process.

It is also worth considering whether you need a general contractor or a specialist company for your project. A general contractor may have a broad range of construction skills and be able to take on a variety of projects, while a specialist company may have a more focused area of expertise. Ultimately, the most important factor is to find a builder who is skilled and experienced in the type of work you need done, and who is capable of delivering high-quality results.

2 Check references

One key step in choosing a builder is to check their references and see examples of their previous work. This will give you an idea of their workmanship, reliability, and customer service, as well as give you a sense of the quality of their finished projects.

When checking references, it is important to get a current reference from a project that is similar in scope to your own. This will provide the most relevant and accurate information about the builder's abilities. It is also a good idea to visit two or three examples of similar work the builder has done and speak to the clients directly. This will allow you to ask relevant questions and get a better understanding of the builder's performance on past projects.

A reliable builder should be happy to provide references and show examples of their previous work. If they are unwilling to do so, it may be a red flag and you may want to consider other options. When visiting past projects, it is important to ask the clients about their experience working with the builder. Some key questions to ask include:

• Were the builder punctual and reliable in their work?
• How effective was the builder at communicating during the project? Did they maintain clear, frequent, and polite communication?
• Did the builder follow through on their commitments and agreements?
• If there were any delays or unforeseen problems during the project, how did the builder handle them? Did they inform you promptly and openly?
• Did the builder complete the project on time and within budget?
• Was the builder mindful of minimizing noise and disruption during the project?
• If other trades were involved in the project, how did the builder coordinate and manage their work?
• Was the construction site kept tidy and organized throughout the project?

Even if you do not plan on speaking to previous customers, it is still a good idea to ask for a reference. This will give you an idea of the builder's willingness to provide references and their overall level of transparency.

3 Check their Trade association & qualifications

Consider their trade associations and qualifications. While there are no formal qualifications that builders must possess in order to call themselves "a builder," there are certain trade associations and accreditation schemes that can give you an idea of their knowledge, skills, and professionalism.

One example is the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), which issues cards to builders who have the appropriate training and qualifications for their job. Other qualifications, such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in construction, can also demonstrate a builder's knowledge of their trade.

It is also important to consider the specific qualifications and certifications that are required for certain trades, such as electricians and plumbers. For example, if you are using a plumber to install a gas appliance, such as a cooker in your kitchen, they should be Gas Safe Registered. When having electrical work done, you should choose a contractor who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme, such as NICEIC or ELECSA.

In addition to specific qualifications, it is also a good idea to check whether a builder is a member of a reputable trade association, such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Always ask for proof of membership, and consider calling the trade association directly to confirm their membership. It is also worth considering membership in organizations like the National House Building Council (NHBC), which carries out ongoing checks on its members and requires public and employers' liability insurance, as well as credit and director checks.

While membership in a trade association or accreditation scheme can be a good indication of a builder's professionalism and reliability, it is important to understand what such membership actually entails. Some organizations may require more thorough vetting or offer more comprehensive insurance protection, while others may simply require a fee for the use of their logo. It is always a good idea to do your research and ask questions to ensure you are hiring a reputable and qualified builder.

4 Online reviews

Check their online reviews to get an idea of their reputation and the quality of their work. One place to do this is on Google, where you can find reviews from past clients and customers.

To find reviews on Google, simply search for the builder's business name and look for the "Reviews" section. You can read through the reviews and see the overall rating, as well as specific comments and experiences shared by previous clients.

While online reviews can be a useful resource, it is important to keep in mind that they may not always be representative of the builder's overall work. Some people may be more likely to leave a review if they had a negative experience, while others may not take the time to leave a review at all. As such, it is a good idea to consider reviews as one factor among many when choosing a builder.

5 Ask other traders you trust

Asking other professionals, such as architects and surveyors, about potential builders can be a useful way to gather information and make an informed decision. These professionals often have experience working with different builders in the area and can provide valuable insights and recommendations.

If you are considering hiring a builder for a construction project, it is a good idea to ask local professionals for their opinions and recommendations. Architects and surveyors, in particular, may have experience working with various builders and can provide valuable insights on their skills, experience, and reliability.

When seeking recommendations from other professionals, it is important to only take advice from those you trust.

6 Compare quotes

Obtain written quotes from multiple contractors and compare them carefully. This will help you get a fair price and ensure that you understand exactly what is included in the work.

To get an accurate comparison, it is important to make sure that you ask multiple builders to quote for the same work and provide full details in writing of what is covered and what is not. This should include site maintenance, clearance, material supplies, and any other relevant costs. It is also a good idea to ask for confirmation as to whether planning permission is required and if they will need to apply for Building Regulations approval.

Beware of quotes that seem "too good to be true." While it is natural to be tempted by a low price, it is important to make sure that you understand exactly what is included in the quote and that the builder is not cutting corners or introducing extra charges later on. If one builder's estimate is significantly lower than the others, it is worth proceeding with caution and asking for clarification on what is included.

When you agree to a quote, it is legally binding whether or not you have signed an agreement. A written quote should include a fixed total price, a breakdown of all the work to be done and the materials needed, separate costs for each material and part of the work, and information on whether the price includes VAT and any potential increases, such as for extra work. If a builder is reluctant to put a quote in writing, it may be a sign that they are not trustworthy.

If you are working with an architect or quantity surveyor, they can be involved in the tender process and help you evaluate the quotes and recommend which builder to choose.

7 Insurance

Ask about their insurance coverage. A reputable builder should have insurance to protect themselves against property damage and personal and public liability, which can protect you and the general public in the event of an accident or injury.

At a minimum, every builder should have Public and Employers Liability insurance. These policies are important to protect existing parts of your home and property, and you should make sure that the builder you choose has these policies in place. Additionally, it is a good idea to check that they have Contract Works insurance to cover damage to the new work they are building.

By ensuring that your builder has the appropriate insurance coverage, you can protect yourself and your property in case of any unexpected issues that may arise during the construction process. Do not be afraid to ask for proof of insurance and take the time to understand the coverage provided. This will give you peace of mind and help ensure that your construction project is completed safely and successfully.

8 How they do business

When choosing a builder, it is important to consider how they do business and ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy. Here are some factors to consider:

• Deposit: Be wary of builders who ask for a large deposit or payment in full before starting the project. Some reputable builders may ask for a small deposit to cover the cost of administrative and pre-construction paperwork and will have a payment schedule set up with payments due at specific milestones of the project.
• Project management: Look for a builder who has experience in project management, as they will be able to coordinate the various aspects of the project effectively.
• Digging into their history: It is a good idea to check the builder's background and history to ensure that they are trustworthy and reliable. This can include searching for information on bankruptcies or disqualifications, as well as checking their credit history for any patterns of problematic behavior.
• Length of time in business: The length of time a builder has been in business can be a good indicator of their quality and reliability. Longevity in the industry usually means they are doing something right.
• VAT registration: VAT registration is compulsory for builders with a turnover of more than £85,000 within any 12 month period. If a builder is not VAT registered, it may be an indication that they do not regularly handle larger jobs. This is not necessarily a red flag, but it is something to consider when making your decision.

9 Other things to keep in mind

There are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing a builder:

• Availability: Be cautious of builders who are available to start your project within a few days. This may be a sign that they do not have a lot of work and therefore may not be as reliable or skilled as those with a full schedule.
• Location: It is beneficial to select a builder who is based locally, as they will be familiar with the area and can easily visit your site to address any issues that may arise. Ideally, they should be within a 40-minute distance.
• Communication: Good communication is key to a successful building project. Make sure to ask about the systems the builder has in place to keep you updated on the progress of the job and to ensure that nothing is missed.
• Working relationship: It is important to have a good working relationship with your builder, as they will be working on your project for an extended period of time. Consider whether you feel comfortable communicating with them and ask who will be on site on a day-to-day basis.
• One point of responsibility: While it may seem cost-effective to hire separate tradesmen for different parts of the project, it is generally best to choose one main building contractor who will take responsibility for the project as a whole. This can help to avoid confusion and miscommunication and ensure that the project is completed efficiently and effectively.

We hope that these tips and guidelines have helped you understand what to look for when hiring a builder for your construction project. Remember to carefully consider their relevant experience, references, trade association membership, insurance coverage, and other important factors before making a decision. If you're still searching for a builder and need some help finding the right contractor, be sure to check out Builder Pros. Builder Pros is a directory of builders in the UK can help you find skilled and reliable professionals in your area. Whether you're looking for a general contractor or a specialist in a specific area of construction, Builder Pros got you covered. Thanks for reading, and we wish you the best of luck with your building project!