Choosing Your Builder

• Getting it in writing
• Handy Hints and Tips
• Twelve step guide to choosing the right builder

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Our twelve step guide to choosing the right builder

If you are considering any work to your property and you require a builder, you should consider this choice very carefully. The vast majority of builders are respectable and trustworthy. We cannot recommend builders or designers for both legal and financial reasons.

However, we hope that this page will be one way to help you to make the important decision as to which builder to use. As this could be one of the biggest investments you are likely to make, you should thoroughly check any builder out before employing their services. Here are some of the points you should consider and the basic precautions that you should take whenever you are choosing a builder:

Step 1.

For larger projects, consider employing a professional to advise you.

Addresses and contact numbers of professional organisations are provided at the bottom of the page.

Step 2.

Discuss the extent of any professional's responsibility.

Does it involve the preparation of plans only or is site supervision part of the package ?

Step 3.

If your job is so small that you do not think you need the services of a professional, seek advice from someone in the industry who you know and trust.

Step 4.

Always obtain quotations ( at least three ) in writing and have them checked. Also ask whether there is any need for Planning Permission and Building Regulation approval.

Step 5.

Do not automatically go for the cheapest quote, as this may not necessarily be the best one to choose.

Step 6.

Ask questions of the builder :

• Where has he worked before ?
• Is he happy for you to see his work ?
• What is his expertise in the particular project you intend to carry out ?
• How does he want to be paid - on completion or in stages ?
• Can he supply references from satisfied customers ?
• Is he happy to give you a retention clause ?
• Will he give you a final completion date ?
• Will he accept a penalty clause on failure to complete on time ?
• Will he agree to independent arbitration should you have any dispute ?
• Does he have membership of a trade association ?
• Does he have insurance ?
• Have they signed up for the RBWM Considerate Contractor scheme ?

Step 7.

Try and visit three or four of the builder's recently completed jobs and if possible speak to the owners about the builders work.

Step 8.

Builders often claim that they are members of trade associations. You should check the validity of any such claim. A respected trade organisation will have membership standards and requirements of its members.

Step 9.

Good quality builders will be happy to answer any queries as the work progresses, as they have got nothing to hide.

Step 10.

Ask to see the builders' Public Liability insurance certificate. The building work may also affect your home and contents insurance policy, check this with your insurance company.

Step 11.

Having selected a builder, ensure that the scope of the work for the agreed sum, is clearly specified in writing or on detailed plans.

Step 12.

Do get the name, address and phone number of your builder and check that these are correct. Be suspicious of any builder who cannot supply business paperwork, only has a mobile phone number and only deals with cash.

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Getting it in writing

Finally, it is strongly recommended that you use a formal contract, for example the JCT Building Contract for home owners / occupiers. This will give you invaluable protection should a problem occur when the work starts. Details may be found from : http://www.buildingcontract.co.uk/.

Alternatively, the Federation of Master Builders ( FMB ) Find a Builder website provides a downloadable contract to use, please go to  http://www.findabuilder.co.uk/ for details.

Handy Hints And Tips

• Don't deal in cash, if you must, get a signed receipt.
• Don't pay out a lot of money before work starts. Pay only for stages of the work- for example, up to the foundations or for the brickwork up to first floor level
• Don't alter the approved plans without checking with Building Control Consultancy and Planning first. Go through the details of the alterations with your builder and agree any extra time and cost involved.
• Don't take it for granted if your builder says that certain work does not need Council approval, always check with the Council first.

For further information, please see our Looking for Advice webpage and our useful links webpage.

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