If you are considering any building work you should choose a builder very carefully, as this is one of the biggest investments you are likely to make. You should thoroughly check any builder out before employing their services.
Here are some things you should consider doing:
- Consider employing a professional to advise you. Surveyors and architects can help appoint builders and will monitor their work on your behalf.
- Always obtain at least three written quotations and check them to ensure that all the work is quoted for.
- Do not automatically go for the cheapest quote especially if it is a lot cheaper than the others. Ask yourself why is it cheaper?
- Try to visit three or four builders' recently completed jobs. If possible speak to the owners about the builder's work and ask about reliability, additional costs, quality and time taken.
- Be wary of a builder who wants money before starting the work, although stage payments as work progresses are normal.
- Builders often advertise that they are members of a trade organisation. You should check the validity of any claim and association quoted.
- If the builder is not local and is prepared to travel a long distance to undertake the work, ask yourself why he cannot get work in his own area.
- Good builders will be happy to answer your questions and queries as they have nothing to hide.
Do not make final payment until Building Control has issued a Completion Certificate
Unfortunately Building Control cannot recommend builders however, those who are members of a relevant trade organisation can be considered including the following:
The Federation of Master Builders:
Telephone 020 7242 7583
www.fmb.org.uk
National Federation of Builders
Telephone 023 8061 0883
www.builders.org.uk
National Federation of Roofing Contractors
Telephone 020 7436 0387
www.nfrc.co.ukBuilding Control Home Page
