We’ve all heard the scare stories, maybe even watched Dominic Littlewood on TV, hunting down the cowboy builders. So, you want some building work done on your home, and it’s essential that you get the right builder for the job. But what’s the advice for finding the right builder?

Things To Remember When Finding A Builder

Choosing the right builder is essential. Firstly, a good builder will turn up on time, be polite and trustworthy, and will keep you in the picture - especially when it comes to your budget. The good news is that there are plenty of good builders and building firms out there, despite the horror stories. But how do you go about finding a builder like this?
There are a number of ways to find a decent builder. Firstly, do your research. Contact a few builders and get an estimate for the building work you have in mind. Make sure you get it down in writing!

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Check Builders References

Next, check their references - a good builder should have a list of previous clients who are happy to vouch for their work. You should check at least two of their previous jobs. Word of mouth is also a great way to find a builder. If you know somebody who’s recently had building work carried out, ask them! If they live close by, you could even go and check out the work for yourself. Some of the questions you should be asking are:

Questions To Ask About Tradesmen

1. Did the builder turn up on time?
2. Are you happy with the job?
3. Did the building work come in under or around your budget?
4. Did the builder work at a time that’s convenient for you?

When you’re looking for a builder, it’s worth doing a few background checks too. Find out if the builder is registered with a respected trade body. This will ensure that the builder adheres to membership standards and requirements. Remember, check and double-check the information.

There are one or two bad apples out there, so make sure you’re confident that the information they give is correct.

Busy Tradesmen Are Good Tradesmen

Another trick to finding the right builder is to see whether they’re busy or not. The chances are, the most reputable builders will be booked up weeks or even a few months in advance. So it’s worth waiting that little bit longer to hire the best builder in town.

Once you think you’ve found a builder for the job, be sure to check their public liability insurance certificate - you wouldn’t want anything to go wrong once they’ve started work.

Get A Written Agreement

At last you’re pretty sure that you’ve picked a good builder - now make sure that you agree payment before they start work. Get a written agreement or contract that tells you the price, exactly what work should be carried out, the date it should be completed and the working hours. And don’t forget to outline how waste materials should be disposed of!

Finding Tradesmen

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