Subscribe to contentHow to Find a Reliable Local Builder
Renovating a home, adding and addition, or converting a loft are all projects usually outside the scope of the average DIY home owner. Instead, we turn to a builder to tackle these projects for us. But finding a good, reliable builder is key to the success of the project. Armed with some knowledge you can find one who will make your project a successful one.
Talk with Family and Friends
A building contractor is someone you'll be spending a great deal of time working with. Depending on the job, the builder you chose may be in your home for weeks, if not months, so you'll want someone with whom you can work well. Your family members and friends know your personality, so they'll be able to recommend builders they've worked with who might be suitable for you.
Trade Organisations
Trade organisations exist to help match reliable and qualified contractors with potential customers. Organisations like the Federation of Master Builders grant membership to building contractors based upon a stringent set of requirements. If a builder is a member of such a trade organisation, never be afraid to contact the organisation and ask if the builder has had any issues you need to be aware of. Feel free to check the reputation of the trade organisation as well.
Be Specific About Your Plans
One of the biggest areas of conflict between home owner and builder is difference in vision. A home owner who doesn't have a very clear idea of what he wants tends to give his builder a lot of liberty to make decisions. If the home owner is consistently unhappy about those decisions, his builder could become difficult to work with.
When you ask for quotes, submit as detailed a plan as possible to each builder; if you have drawings it's even better. Communicate to the contractors what you expect in a bid, including a detailed breakdown of everything you want done. This includes restoration of your entire property when the job is complete.
Proof of Insurance
All builders must carry a sufficient amount of liable insurance in order to do business. Ask your builders for proof of insurance at the time of the quote. Feel free to contact their insurers and ask questions about what would be covered and what would not. Having enough insurance to cover the liability of your project is essential.
Payment Agreements
It's not abnormal for fly-by-night builders to demand large sums of money up front then skip out without completing the job. Ask a builder what his normal pay schedule is, and if it is flexible. Ideally, you'll want a builder who is willing to be paid as various phases of the job are complete. That way, he won't be without a pay check for the duration of the job, but you'll have the upper hand in making sure the work gets done correctly and in a timely fashion. Together, both of you will have leverage over the sub-contractor. He won’t get paid until both builder and customer are happy.