How do you employ a builder?

[AutumnSummersBuffysCousin]

We have plans drawn up, floors, doors, kitchen, bathroom all selected and ready to be ordered-but how do you get a builder to do everything? We are knocking down a wall between living room and kitchen, putting in two velux windows in the room, taking out a door and resizing a window, need all the doors throughout removed and new skirting and doors put on. One builder came and provided a quote within day, but there was something off about him so decided not to go with him. Another two came but haven’t given quotes well over a week or two later- any ideas what I need to do to get this moving? Also, if I ever manage to get someone to do the work, are we meant to get some sort of insurance to cover the works? Many thanks in advance

[AutumnSummersBuffysCousin]

Hopeful bumping for lunchtime crowd

[Lamentations]

Ask around for a recommendation. You are bound to know people who have used a builder in the last couple of years. Or, if you are prepared to say where you are you could ask on here.

[AutumnSummersBuffysCousin]

Thanks @Lamentations. Any that I have found out about through word of mouth have been negative reports unfortunately! I am in Belfast if that helps.

[Muddyinthesticks]

Good builders are generally booked up far ahead. Always go on recommendation and see the finished work. Some people’s standards may be very different from yours. Look at neighbours houses or those in your area who are clearly having work done, ask for their recommendations.

[chukwe]

Is checkatrade a good site to find builders?

[bravotango]

Is checkatrade a good site to find builders?

Not in my experience - a personal recommendation is (IMO) the only way. Could you ask a neighbour?

[AutumnSummersBuffysCousin]

Thanks everyone, will try again with people I know.

[didireallysaythat]

Your builder will have insurance and you'll need to pass on these details to your house insurance company