Any tips to choose builders?

[Minimini0001]

Hi,
I'm in the process of purchasing my first house, which requires a full refurbishment. I’m wondering

• how many builders you typically get quotes from.
• Do you prefer hiring builders from local companies or private contractors from platforms like MyBuilder? I'm a bit concerned about post-completion support.

Any advice on choosing and working with builders would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

yes, go with recommendations

don’t pay any money upfront - a good builder will have funds available for materials

post on Facebook, asking for recommendations

get three quotes, at least, and you can usually get a good feel about people once you chat to them

small local builders might be more reasonable than bigger companies

ask them to provide copies of feedback

Definitely go by recommendations. If its in a new area that you dont know - have a drive around and be nosey. Look for houses that are having work done and knock on a few doors.
You can look at reviews online as well - but always follow up with enquiries to the builder and ask if they can give you details of recent customers who you could ask about reviews etc.

Dont book any builder or workman who is available immediately. All the good ones get booked up well in advance - so be prepared to wait.

Another point is to check companies house. If the business has been running for 10+ years they must be doing something right. ‘Dodgy’ builders will often rack up debts etc, close down the business and start another within a short space of time. So be weary of a business that hadn’t been running very long.

Ask for recommendations at your local builders merchant, they know the local guys who are good. If they are good be prepared to wait several months before they can fit you in.