Finding a Builder

[BlackAlys]

I'm meeting different builders this week. Other than when can they start, what type of questions should I be asking them?

What price they will be charging.
What insurance they have.
Previous work they have done and references.

Have you actually got full plans with building control details and a full specification for them to tender to? Very difficult to get an accurate price otherwise and you risk massive overrun

Get a plan set up with timelines and payments when they've finished each stage, then keep a final amount for completion payment

Get a contract and make sure it's all written down and signed

Get insurance if you can afford it

Have weekly meetings with schedules of on time or running behind etc and penalties - we ended up paying thousands in extra rent because they were 3 months behind on a 6 month job

Don't be a push over - be professional but don't give an inch

Get like fir like quotes in the final drawings too - finished to x standard so you're comparing apples with apples

If they're a limited company, check on Companies House for how long they've been operating, whether the directors have been a director of multiple similar companies, and you'll be able to see their recent accounts.

dont just accept pics of their work as own .... if possible visit a few ex customers to see for real..so many just lift pics off internet and pass off as own work....be wary of builders using the check a trade sites etc....usually fake refs...!!

Thanks everyone! This is invaluable stuff.

Their availability to start work and how long it will take to send their quote. I’ve had 4 builders over, all seemed professional and keen. It’s been 5 weeks since their visits!! 1 is supposed to be sending me his quote tomorrow, the other is now booked up till next February, another “started work” on his quote last week and another has said he’ll send it to me by 23rd April!!

I’m really irritated they’re being so slow.

Just been through similar, many builders will expect you to have planning approved and drawings to quote from otherwise they may think you aren't serious. Builders at the moment have the luxury of being able to pick and chose jobs as everyone in lockdown has been looking at their properties and are thinking about starting works especially as spring is upon us, many of the best builders will be booked up for at least next 6 months unless you can find one where a job has fallen through. As above and because of this it is crucial you go and see some of their previous jobs, preferably the last couple of similar size. It is a builders market at moment and if you start haggling too much and going into the minutest detail they have the luxury of just going elsewhere where someone will just pay what is being quoted and let them get on with it - to cut a long story short it is a bit of a nightmare ! If you have used an architect they will likely offer a service to draw up a contract with the builder and also be able to recommend some they have used before. Good luck as has taken us a while and ended up with one who has taken on a few jobs which is less than ideal as won't be on site all the time to oversee things.

Oh and I forgot to add - get a drain survey so you know where yours and your neighbors drains go - in my view should be part of planning as might need build over agreement from local water company and also complicate the build.