subject: 10 Steps To Choosing A Reliable Builder [print this page] 10 Steps To Choosing A Reliable Builder 10 Steps To Choosing A Reliable Builder
Do you have a building project you want completing? If so, here is a 10-point guide to finding a reliable building firm.
1. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations. If they've had some building work done and were happy with the builders they used, they could be a good starting point.
2. Use a local business directory to draw up a list of builders local to you and read reviews to get an idea of how other customers have rated their work.
3. It may help to speak to trade bodies, such as The National Federation of Builders, and ask which building firms are registered on their lists. This is usually a sign of quality.
4. Once you have a short list of builders, you'll need to source quotes from them. It's a good idea to get these estimates in writing and be sure to ask whether any planning permission is likely to be required.
5. Don't feel that you can't ask the builders for references. Where possible, contact these former customers or try and see the work that was performed.
6. Ask the builders what accreditation they have and whether they belong to a relevant trade body. Be sure to check that they're telling the truth.
7. Once you're satisfied that your chosen builder checks out, agree the work in writing. It's important to make sure that they stipulate the work that needs doing, the date it will be completed by, security and safety issues, toilet arrangements, how they intend to dispose of waste and what hours they will work.
8. Check the building firm's public liability insurance certificate and contact your own building and contents provider to discuss whether the work will impact on your policy.
9. Avoid paying a deposit. They will usually only be required for jobs that are likely to take a long time to complete or where custom-made materials are needed.
10. Once you've had the work done, be sure to write a review of the builder good or bad and add it to a local business directory or two, so that others can benefit from your experiences.
If you're in Newcastle, you may want to use a Newcastle directory to find an experienced and reliable Newcastle builder.
