Getting your home renovated or extended is exciting. But it can quickly become stressful and daunting… Poor workmanship, unfinished jobs, health & safety issues, and spiralling costs.
The success of your project largely hinges on one decision: which building company you choose to hire…
Finding a reliable, professional building company in the UK doesn’t have to be a lottery, though. By knowing exactly what to look for, you can filter out the unreliable operators and find a professional builder dedicated to bringing your vision to life.
Here is a simple checklist for choosing the right building company for your next project.
1. Professional Accreditation
The first thing to look for is accreditation. In the UK construction industry, professional builders want to prove their legitimacy.
Don’t just take their word for it that they are “experienced” or “trusted”. Look for active memberships with recognised trade bodies. Two of the most significant in the UK are:
- The Federation of Master Builders (FMB): To become an FMB member, builders must undergo strict vetting processes and inspections of their work. It signals a commitment to high standards and professionalism.
- TrustMark: This is the Government-endorsed quality scheme covering work a client chooses to have carried out in or around their home. When a builder is TrustMark registered, you know they have committed to working to sector standards and have good trading practices.
Why it matters: These memberships aren’t just logos for their van. They offer you, the client, avenues for dispute resolution and added peace of mind.
2. Client Reviews
To get the real story, you need to hear from previous clients. While testimonials on a builder’s own website are nice, independent reviews are crucial.
Google Local and Facebook Reviews are invaluable here. They are connected to people’s personal profiles, so they are usually honest and not fake. Also, when someone puts their name to a review online, whether that’s a good review or a bad one, it really means something.
When reading reviews, look for patterns:
- Are they happy with the work?
- Do they recommend the builder?
- How was the communication?
- Do they mention tidiness on site?
- Was the project completed on time?
- Crucially, how did the builder handle problems if they arose?
3. Communication And Care
You are going to be entering a long-term relationship with your builder. Pay close attention to how they handle your initial enquiry.
- Are they prompt and polite when replying to emails or returning calls?
- Are they helpful and willing to answer early, tentative questions?
- Are they happy to give advice and support?
- Do they turn up on time for the initial site visit?
If a builder is elusive, vague, or slow to respond before they have your money, alarm bells should ring. Poor communication at the start almost always leads to stress during the build. You need a partner who cares about your project, not just someone looking for the next deposit.
4. Essential Paperwork…
A professional building company must have the relevant insurance and abide by UK CDM health & safety regulations. It’s the law for them, but vital for you, as the homeowner is ultimately responsible (and liable) for hiring a professional and competent building company.
A. Relevant Insurance Policies
Never hire a builder who isn’t properly insured. At an absolute minimum, they must have Public Liability Insurance. This protects you if they accidentally damage your property (or your neighbour’s) or if someone is injured on site. Ask to see the certificate and check it’s in date.
B. Health & Safety: The Construction Phase Plan
Under UK CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations, every construction project, including domestic renovations and extensions, requires a Construction Phase Plan (CPP).
A professional builder will know this and will take the lead on it. If you ask about their health and safety protocols, and they look blank or dismiss it as “red tape,” walk away. A tidy, safe site is usually an efficient and high-quality site.
C. Detailed Written Estimates
Avoid informal and vague quotes at all costs. A professional builder will provide a detailed, written estimate or quotation. It should break down the costs of labour, materials, waste disposal, and VAT.
A detailed estimate shows transparency. It helps avoid nasty surprises mid-build where “extras” suddenly appear that you thought were included. If the estimate is vague, your final bill will likely be much higher than expected.
Summary
Choosing a builder is a big decision. Don’t rush it, and don’t just automatically choose the cheapest or fastest option. By focusing on accredited builders, good communication, verifiable reviews, and robust paperwork, you are investing in peace of mind and the successful completion of your dream home.
It goes without saying – Richard Saunders Building Ltd, ticks all the boxes above, as standard, all the time, for all clients.
Compare us to other local builders and see how we stack up.