Your choice of builder can make or break your project. A good builder makes everything easier; a bad one causes stress, delays, and can cost you thousands. Here's how to find the right one.
Where to Find Builders
Personal recommendations: The best way to find good builders. Ask friends, family, neighbours, colleagues - anyone who's had work done recently. People are usually honest about their experiences, good and bad.
Local presence: Builders who've worked in your area for years have a reputation to protect. Look for vans around your neighbourhood, boards outside completed projects, or ask at local building merchants who they'd recommend.
Online directories: Checkatrade, MyBuilder, and similar sites can be useful, but read reviews critically. A mix of mostly positive reviews with occasional negatives is more believable than all five stars.
What to Check
Insurance: Ask to see public liability insurance certificates. A minimum of £2 million cover is standard. Don't just take their word for it - request the actual documents.
Previous work: Ask for addresses of recent projects you can drive past. Better still, ask if you can speak to previous clients. A confident builder will have no problem with this.
Business basics: A proper business address (not just a mobile number), company registration if applicable, and professional communication all indicate a legitimate operation.
Trade body membership: Federation of Master Builders, Guild of Master Craftsmen, or similar. Not essential, but shows commitment to standards.
Getting Quotes
Get at least three quotes for comparison. When comparing:
- Make sure each builder is quoting for the same work
- Check what's included and what's extra
- Be wary of quotes significantly lower than others - there's usually a reason
- Look at payment terms - heavy upfront payments are a red flag
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Middle-of-the-road pricing from a builder you trust is usually the sweet spot.
Warning Signs
Walk away if:
- They want large deposits upfront (more than 10-20%)
- They can start immediately (good builders are usually booked ahead)
- They're vague about timescales or costs
- They don't want to put anything in writing
- They pressure you to decide quickly
- They can't or won't provide references
- Your gut tells you something's off
The Contract
Always have a written agreement covering:
- Exactly what work is included
- Total price and what could cause variations
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- Start date and expected completion
- What happens if things go wrong
- Guarantee or warranty on work
This protects both you and the builder. Anyone reluctant to commit things to writing should be avoided.
Trust Your Judgement
Beyond all the practical checks, trust your instincts. You'll be working with this person for weeks or months. If communication feels difficult now, it won't get better during a stressful build.
At MaisonWorks, we're happy to answer every question, provide references, and put everything in writing. That's how we'd expect to be treated, and it's how we treat our customers. Call 01732 905968 to experience the difference.