Aim to find a builder who has successfully undertaken similar projects to yours, and whose previous work you can visit. Ask friends and family for their experience. Also then see how it all worked out for them. Then see if it was a easy process and experience from beginning to end too. A great sign of a reliable builder is that they are more than happy to show you examples of their previous work. A good builder will also be able to provide testimonials from previous clients also too.
Look for local builders that operate in your area. Keep an eye out for their advertising boards on other sites around where you live. From this, you should then get a good feel as to who is doing what. Also, what type of jobs they are winning. Also how big and good they are at what it is they do also.
Have a good look at the logos in use on their website too
While it is true that just about anyone can call themselves a builder, good builders will have registered with a trade association that will carry out a vetting process to ensure they are operating correctly. In our experience, the best of these is the NHBC (National House Building Council) because their checks are ongoing, rather than a one-time inspection. Look for the logos of well know associations on the builders’ paperwork and check that they are registered using the relevant online check-a-member services. Lots of dodgy builders use the logos illegally.
Have some sort of liability insurance in place too
Every builder should have Public and Employers Liability insurance as a bare minimum. Without these policies in place, the existing parts of your home and property are at risk. You should also check they have Contract Works insurance to cover damage to the new work they are building.
Communication is also key in any project
How does the builder plan to keep you up to date with the progress of the job? Ask to see what systems are in place to ensure things don’t get missed. At the very least, a group chat between all the decision makers will help to avoid breakdowns in communication. Look for a builder that utilises software to manage their sites and clients.
Overall
A builder that does not employ the use of a build contract is to be avoided at all costs. There are far too many unforeseen issues that can crop up and cause major problems to not something in writing that explains what will happen in these scenarios. A contract will specify the client and builder obligations in various circumstances and you will need this should you want to have a leg to stand on. Just make sure you have all bases covered for your project and how it is going to be able to run for you also too.
