If you’re about to hire a builder for the first time, it can feel pretty daunting. Worries about botched jobs and fears of getting ripped off can play on your mind. How do you know which builders are up to scratch and how can you make sure you end up paying a fair price for the work? Well, there are a few checks you can do, to make sure you get a result you’re happy with. So, here are some of the best hints and tips to help you find a trustworthy builder.
Start looking early
Good builders tend to be busy. Therefore if you want to hire the best, you need to plan ahead. Ideally, you want to have a clear plan and budget in place first, so you’re ready to discuss the work with them as soon as they get back to you.
Don’t judge a book by its cover
Not all good builders have polished websites and social media channels. Some large building companies outsource the digital side of their business, meaning the photos on their websites could be stock images rather than work they’ve done. So, it’s really important not to judge a book by its cover.
Do a bit of research and ask your builder questions about their previous work and clients. And check out their past projects in person where possible. A glossy photo won’t give you a full picture of that builder’s skill level. Talk to the people who’ve used that builder before. Was their job completed on time and in budget?
Get multiple quotes
Whenever you’re looking to hire a builder, it’s important to get at least three quotes, so you can compare them. Even though this takes time, it’s a mistake to go with the first quote you get back. If you’re eager to get started, make use of websites like priceyourjob to speed the process up and work out whether the quotes that come back are fairly priced.
A quote is more accurate than an estimate but not every builder quotes accurately. Question anything that isn’t clear. A good builder who’s interested in taking on the work will be able to explain what is and isn’t included and be able to break down costs and explain processes. Consider any refusal to give itemized quotes or explain costs as a warning sign. The more accurate the quote, the better protected you are against rising costs once the work has started.
Sometimes a builder may say that a certain job needs to be completed first before they can start the job you want to do. That’s not necessarily a red flag, as experienced builders won’t want to cut corners. But if a builder starts racking up lots of extra jobs that seem unnecessary, be cautious. They could be trying to make extra money out of you. This is why it’s important to get multiple quotes as you’ll be able to compare the work and materials listed and gauge what’s reasonable.
Don’t be lured by a cheap quote
Be wary, if one quote is much lower than the rest, there might be a reason for that. Ask why the quote is so low. Has something been missed out or has the builder put in a cheap quote purely to get the job? Yes, you may save some money, but there’s always a danger that your builder could abandon the job if costs rise way above what you’ve agreed to pay.
Carry out checks
Before you let any builder loose on your home, you should carry out a few checks. Firstly, you want to know they’re insured against accidents and damage to your property. But it’s also worthwhile knowing if they have other policies in place, such as professional indemnity insurance. This covers you from financial loss should your builder give you poor advice on the project. It’s also worth checking if they offer any guarantees or warranties for their work. Don’t just take their word for it though, ask to see policies and certificates.
Get in touch with your own insurer too, as you may need to increase your level of cover to protect your home from accidental damage and save you from legal costs in the event of shoddy work.
To make sure your builder is skilled and trustworthy, ask for references. Speak to other trades they’ve worked with and ask them what their opinion is of your prospective builder. And if a builder carries professional logos, such as the FMB logo, on their van or website, check with those organizations to make sure they’re valid.
Be wary of upfront payments
Never make large, upfront payments as this is often the sign of a cowboy builder or an indication of cash flow problems. And you don’t want to employ a builder who’s about to go out of business.
Always ask for justification for any costs you’re asked to pay upfront. Sometimes there’s a good reason for paying a small sum upfront. For instance, ordering bespoke items such as windows or kitchens often requires a deposit. Just be vigilant and get written confirmation before handing over any money.
Get a contract
Finally, get a contract put in place to save disagreements and to give yourself some comeback if schedules slip or you find the quality of work lacking. This needs to be in writing and signed by both parties.
