Advice on choosing a builder
We know about the difficulties faced by many people who want to employ builders to carry out work in their homes.
If you want to employ a builder read the following suggestions carefully.
Ten golden rules
1. Ask friends to recommend builders: Ask neighbours and friends to recommend builders if you do not know any. Ask the builders for references and look at examples of their work.
2. Get a number of estimates: Don't use builders who knock at your door, as good builders do not need to get work this way. And don't just talk to one builder. Get more than one written estimate. The number of estimates you get will depend on the amount of money you expect to spend.
3. Look at the estimates carefully: Remember that the cheapest estimate you get may not be the best. Make sure that you get the estimates in writing, then check to see if the builders are offering the same work to the same standard. Check whether or not the estimates include VAT.
4. Pick the right expert: Make sure that you pick the right expert for the job. For example, do not get a roofer to rewire your home.
5. Find out if the builder does the work or gets someone else to do it: If the builder gets other people to carry out the work, make sure he or she stays responsible for all of the work.
6. Check the builder is insured: Ask the builder for proof that he or she has 'public liability' insurance cover for any damage that may be caused to your property or people in it. Also check whether the firm belongs to a professional trade association (although this is no guarantee the work will be good).
7. Find out about building regulations and planning permission: Contact our building control and planning sections to find out whether the work you want to carry out needs planning permission or there are any building regulations you need to keep to.
(Planning: 020 8937 5210, Building Contol: 020 8937 5499.)
8. Make your own written agreement: When you have decided to go ahead, write down exactly what work you want carried out, when it will start and finish, and the amount you have agreed to pay. Ask the builder to sign a copy to show he or she agrees to all the conditions.
9. Don't pay for work up front: For some larger jobs you may need to pay a number of instalments as the work goes on, but always keep some money back until all the work has been finished and you are satisfied. Make sure that you agree the cost of any 'extras' before the extra work is carried out.
10. Think about employing a surveyor or architect: If you are spending a lot of money on repairs or changes to your home, think about employing a local architect or surveyor to check the estimates, supervise the work and deal with any problems. Although you will need to pay a fee, this may avoid problems and save money in the long run. It is also likely to give you peace of mind.
More information
Your building work may need planning permission or it may need to keep to building regulations.
If you have any building work done without getting the necessary planning permission or building regulation approval, this could cost you a great deal. For example, you may need to knock your extension down.