The builder
Finding a decent, reliable builder is crucial when it comes to building an extension or converting your home. The Local authority are not permitted to recommend builders So how should you go about looking for one?
Rely on recommendations
A personal recommendation from a family member, friend or neighbour is probably the best reassurance that you are working with a professional. Other tradespeople are also a good source of advice, as they should have access to a network of local builders.
Trade associations
You also assess a builders competence by requesting references for a prospective builder to establish their competency and quality of work. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is perhaps the most well-known trade association in the building industry. As well as having their references checked, new members are expected to uphold certain standards and follow a code of conduct. It’s also worth checking out the Guild of Builders and Contractors, as builders who apply to be ‘trusted members’ have to show that they’ve been trading for three years and supply financial references. Every member also agrees to provide written contracts and clear payment plans. Being a member of the National Federation of Builders is an equally good sign. Members are expected to adhere to a code of conduct, as well as supplying references, so membership is a good sign that your builder is competent.
The NFB also operates a complaints procedure and all members are covered by public liability insurance. However there are no certainties and it is essential that you keep involved in the whole building process including the construction phase asking questions, seeking clarification and where necessary ask advice from your professional agents (Architect, surveyor or project manager
Whichever method you use to look for your ideal builder, it is worth getting at least three quotes before you make any decisions. Make sure that every quote includes materials, labour, timeframes, responsibilities, including all subcontracting, and of course, VAT. Never pay all the money for a job up front. Set up an agreed payment schedule and only pay the final amount when you are satisfied that the work has been completed to a satisfactory standard. You will save yourself a lot of hassle in the long run by agreeing to a contract in writing. This will avoid any unexpected costs cropping up at the end of the project higher than if a design/build contractor is appointed but there should be corresponding savings in the payments made to building contractors. Project managers should have a recognised qualification in a construction discipline, be experienced in managing builders, tradesmen and logistics, and belong to a professional institution such as the Association for Project Management. Ideally, your project manager will be relatively local, with a sound knowledge of local tradesmen, builders, builders’ merchants, etc. so they can be on site regularly and meet tradesmen and professionals face-to-face.
Finding a good builder
Once you have finalised the details of your project and are happy with your knowledge of the process going forward, you will have to make one of your most important decisions – who will carry out the building works. Finding a reputable builder is going to be key to the overall success of your project. If you’re prepared to undertake some background research, tracking down a professional builder should not be too difficult, although you may have to wait a while before they can start – a good builder will always be busy and often have jobs lined up months in advance. Recommendations from a family member or friends are probably the best way to find a good builder – if they’ve done a good job before, then there’s no reason to think they won’t do it again.
Online trade directories can be a useful resource for finding local builders, but the wide choice can be confusing, so it’s worth checking builders’ websites for further information, previous work, testimonials etc. Trade association websites can be another good source for finding professional builders. Remember, the vast majority of builders are reputable and reliable but it’s always worth doing some background research – this way you’ll be able to make an informed decision about who you should employ to build your project.
PLEASE NOTE THE LOCAL AUTHORITY ARE NOT PERMITTED TO RECOMMEND ANY CONTRACTORS FOR YOUR SCHEME
