Choosing a Builder

Before choosing your builder, draw up a clear work specification and check relevant building regulations. This will be dependent on the size of your job as large works may require plans. Work specifications should describe the type of work to be carried out and what you will require the builder to be responsible for e.g. clearing the site after work, removing rubbish etc. You could also include an indication of timescales and budgets.

Check with your district council planning office whether planning permission is required. Many council websites have further information and online enquiry forms.

When choosing a builder, always ask for references and check these to ensure that they are genuine. Ideally, you should be able to visit recently completed work and talk to the owners if possible.

Obtain at least three written quotes from different builders – do not always choose the cheapest. Make sure that all quotes reflect the same work specification in terms of materials, site clearance, time scale etc. Make certain that wherever possible these are fixed quotes rather than estimates which are subject to change.

Before making a final decision, ensure that you have asked your builder/s the following questions:

• What types of project have they worked on before?
• How long have they been in business?
• Do they have premises you can visit?
• Do they have membership of Professional Body/Trade Association? If so, ring the organisation to check that the builder is really a member and ask about the kind of assurances that offers you e.g. protection if anything goes wrong.
• Is their work guaranteed? Is this guarantee insurance-backed so that you are still covered if the builder goes out of business?
• What is the expected timeframe for the work and what are you entitled to if this deadline is not met?
• Price – make sure you know what is and isn’t included e.g. any extra materials required.
• Are they signed up to the Considerate Constructors scheme?
• Will they agree to independent conciliation in case of any dispute?

Once you have drawn up a list of potential builders, there are several things you can look out for to help you make a choice and distinguish reputable firms from ‘cowboys’.

Membership of the TrustMark scheme is an instant indication of a firm’s reliability and reputation and that it has insurance liability cover. To check that the firm is indeed a TrustMark operator you should check with the Scheme Operator (through the TrustMark website) who will verify membership details.

To use TrustMark to find a builder for your domestic work, access the website at: www.trustmark.org.uk or call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 for further information.

TrustMark provides all the information and advice you will need in a clear, practical way and will guide you through the entire process of appointing a builder, from advice in the early stages to finding a list of local registered firms.

Other signs of a reputable firm include membership of Professional Bodies, or schemes such as Considerate Constructors or the CIOB’s Chartered Building Companies/Consultancies (CBCs). In many cases, these will provide you with some assurance that work will be carried out to a high standard and that there is a clearly-defined complaints process in place in case of any problems. However, you should still be cautious. Contact whichever Trade Association or Professional Body the builder/firm is a member of to confirm the currency of membership as well as the rights afforded to you by the scheme.