How to choose a contractor that you can trust

Following the purchase of a property, building and renovation works are likely to be one of the largest investments that you might make, so you want to make sure that the project is in safe hands. Our Managing Director, Charlie Avara, shares her top tips for choosing the right builder for your project.

Selecting a builder can seem like an overwhelming prospect when you set out to create your dream home. However, there are measures that you can take to confidently choose a provider who will bring your vision to life and I’m going to share them with you here.

1.Price isn’t everything

It goes without saying that working with your budget is important for any project, but simply opting for the cheapest quote can leave you facing problems down the line. Unless you already have a tried and tested builder in mind, always get at least three quotes to compare. It is important that you look into the quotes that you are given and build a picture of why one provider’s cost might be coming in much less than another. It could be down to using lower quality materials or less experienced tradespeople – both of which could cause problems that are expensive to fix in the future, making the initial cost saving irrelevant. A reputable builder will be happy to share product details, quality assurances and to include specified products where necessary.

2. Take a look at their previous work

A reliable builder will always be happy to show you examples of their previous work. From case studies and testimonials right through to speaking directly to previous clients and even visiting properties that they have worked on, great providers will be happy to demonstrate their capability. When you speak to previous clients be sure to ask them insightful questions:

• What was their overall impression of the provider?
• Were they polite and professional? Did they keep the work site tidy?
• Did they deliver the project on time and within budget?
• How well did they manage other trades?
• Were any unforeseen problems communicated quickly and professionally?

3. Ensure that your builder / their team has all the relevant qualifications

If your project will involve the fitting of gas appliances or moving of supply lines for example, be sure that your provider holds the relevant Gas Safe accreditation. A few minutes on the internet researching qualifications will give you the peace of mind that you are working with a team you can trust.

4. Always get a contract

A reputable contractor will always offer their customers a written contract as it serves to protect both parties moving forward. This contract does not need to be a long document full of legal jargon, but something that clearly sets out the expectations, responsibilities, and terms of the work to save any confusion in the future.

By having a written schedule of works that outlines each stage of the project, along with costs for each item, there is total transparency between you and the builder, so you know exactly where you are with the project.

If the builder is supplying materials e.g windows, make sure the document references exactly what they are providing. For example, if you are expecting timber rather than UPVC.

By having a contract that clearly communicates a payment schedule, it will help both you and the builder to manage cash flow and finances. It is usual to pay a deposit which depending on the scale of work, can be anything between 5-20% of the project value, with interim payments throughout the duration of work with a final payment due on completion of the work. If your project is of a larger value (e.g over £100k) then you can request to hold back 2.5% of the total sum for six months to ensure any defects are remedied within that period and to provide yourself with that peace of mind.

5. Do your due diligence

Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to have researched the company and do your due diligence. Make sure the provider is insured and you can even ask to see a copy of their policy / insurance certificate. Check that they are registered with Companies House and do a thorough search to see if there are any reviews online.

With these tips, you should hopefully feel empowered to begin the search for a builder that you feel confident can bring your vision to life.