Our three step plan to help you pick the right builder for your project

How to find a good builder is one of the most commonly asked questions we receive. So we’ve put together a three step plan to help you find the right builder for your project.

Step one – Make your list

Before you start sourcing builders, it’s important to create a list of every piece of work you would like to have done. Within it include the small details like moving light switches, changing from a central light to spotlights, or repositioning electrical sockets. 

Use this list as the list that you give to every builder so you can compare apples with apples. 

Too often at a quote stage important decisions are being made on the spot, which can have a big impact on budgets and result in different builders quoting for different pieces of work.

Step two – Start sourcing company names 

Word of mouth recommendations are worth their weight in gold. If you know someone who has had work done, ask them:

• if they would recommend their builder 
• if they stuck to the price 
• if they delivered the project on time

Have a look around your area to see what projects local builders are working on. If the site looks good, you can keep an eye on their work and start a conversation with them about your project. 

Step three – Narrow down

Gathering quotes from three or four builders is more than enough. Any more than this, is a waste of your time and the builder’s time.

Once you’ve asked the builders to walk through your house and given them a copy of the list you have made. Find out how much the work will cost, what the cost includes, and when are they free to do the work. 

To narrow it down further, ask the builder if you can take a look at a project that they are working on or one they have completed recently. See if you can speak to one of their clients and get feedback from them about their project and how it is progressing. 

Follow your gut. If you really like a builder and their previous work but price is a factor, have a conversation with them to see if there is anything they can do on price. Above all else we recommend following your instinct.

All Done Design is based in North London and specialises in build and design for high-end residential and commercial projects.

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