Tips for choosing a builder

Safeguarding You … What you want is a builder who will do a quality job at a sensible price. After all, you will enjoy the quality of your building work long after you’ve forgotten how much it cost. The National Federation of Builders wants you to get good value, so we have prepared a checklist for you.

1. Get recommendations - ask builders for details of previous customers in your area, speak to them and look at their work

2. Compare estimates – get 3 written quotes from builders, make sure you are clear about VAT.  Remember to ask the builder if planning permission is needed.

3. Check with the National Federation of Builders – find out if the builder is a member of a reputable trade association like the National Federation of Builders.  This means they will have been strictly vetted and have a clear complaints procedure.

4. Ask to see the insurance certificate – up-to-date public liability insurance is important.  This will cover the cost of repairing any damage to your property.

5. Agree the work – be clear about what you want done and stick to it.  Ask for a written agreement outlining the work, completion date, security and training, disposal of waste, hours of work and so on.  Make sure you confirm any changes in writing.

5. Never pay for work in advance – agree any payment schedule in writing and don’t pay cash.  Treat with suspicion any builder offering VAT free ‘deals’ – either the builder is very small or is operating illegally.

Remember – don’t take unnecessary risks with your biggest asset - take the right precautions.  A good builder will belong to a trade association, undergo continuous training, have public liability insurance, be happy to give you an estimate in writing and won’t ask for unusual payment methods.