For most UK residents, nothing beats the amount of investment they put into their homes. After all, this is one of their biggest assets that can increase in value over time.
But building a house is often easier said than done. This isn’t something you can do all by yourself unless you got the skills, experience, knowledge, and tools. Of course, that’s not always possible, right?
This is where a builder comes in handy. But hey, there goes another problem. How do you even choose the right builder to work with in the first place?
Needless to say, hiring the wrong builder in the UK can easily lead to disaster. To save yourself from these inconveniences, you need to arm yourself with a few tips to help you with your decision-making process.
Choose Local
It wouldn’t make sense to look farther when you have more options just a few minutes away from your home. Start by looking for local builders in your community. Most of the time, you can spot their ads around your neighbourhood. Most construction companies will also provide commercial building services but also check first.
Most of the time, these local home builders handle several jobs in just one place which allows efficient management of projects. Working with a local company also ensures that the builder or any of the team members can just drop by on-site if something happens.
Shop Around for the Most Affordable Quotes
Quotes from builders can give you a good idea of whether you should work with one or not. The best quotes are those that specify all the things you need without any hidden charges whatsoever.
The last thing you want is to get a cheap quote only to find out later on that there are lots of surprises and exorbitant fees waiting for you.
Be sure to ask for quotes that list everything to ensure that you will get exactly what you are expected to pay for.
Credentials are a Must
Anyone can claim to be a builder, but the best builder is one that is registered with and accredited by a trade association. These trade associations conduct a vetting process that confirms and checks the correct operations of a company.
The National House Building Council or NHBC is a good example of these associations. The council follows ongoing checks instead of the usual one-time inspection.
Don’t forget to look for logos of well-known associations on the paperwork of the builders you are considering hiring. You can further confirm their registration by using relevant online services that let you check the memberships of organizations. Unfortunately, many dodgy builders use logos illegally so it wouldn’t hurt to be extra careful.
Dig Into the Builder’s History
Did the builder ever file for bankruptcy in the past? Were there serious complaints from previous clients? Is the company neck-deep in debt?
While there are builders that might have been out of business because of reasons that weren’t their fault at all, there are some that often vanish into thin air and run with their client’s money. Check their portfolio, have they any experience in the most commonly requested services including, extensions, patios & driveway installs or general property repairs and maintenance?
If possible, try to do a credit history check. You can never be too sure when your hard-earned cash is involved, right?
Visit an Actual Job Site
As the adage goes, to see is to believe. One of the easiest ways to choose a builder is to witness them in full action. if they are working on a site at the moment, you are in luck.
Use your visit as a chance to check a few things. Is the site clean and organized? Is it secure and safe? Are proper signs put up?
Seeing things with your own two eyes will give you a good idea of what to expect once the builder starts working on your project.
It’s the Years That Count
Another good indication of a builder worth your money is the length of time they have been in business. In today’s cutthroat market, not all businesses are lucky enough to be up and running for years.
So if you do find a builder that has celebrated its 10th-year foundation or more, you know that you will be working with one that stood the test of time.
Insurance for Your Assurance
The bare minimum requirement for builders is employer liability insurance or public liability insurance. If none of these policies is in place, you will be putting parts of your property and home at risk. You might also want to check if the builder has contract works insurance that can cover any damage to the new build they are working on.
Before you sign the construction contract with a builder, don’t forget to remember the tips above to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
Thanks for reading our post, feel free to check out our other services:
