A-Z of Services

Building Control Guidance Note No. 2 - Choosing Your Builder

This is one of a series of building control guidance notes which aims to explain the building regulations procedures.

Choosing Your Builder

If you are considering any work to your property and you require a builder you should consider this choice very carefully. As this is one of the biggest investments you are likely to make you should thoroughly check any builder out before employing their services.

Below are listed some of the things that you should consider doing:-

For large projects consider employing a professional to advise you

Addresses and contact numbers of professional organisations are attached to this sheet.

Discuss the extent of your arrangements with your professional

Does it involve the preparation of plans only or is site supervision part of the package?
If you consider your job too small and you don't require a professional, get advice from someone in the industry whom you know and trust.
Always obtain quotations (at least three) and have them checked.
Don't automatically go for the cheapest quote.

Ask the builder questions

A few examples are set out below:-

Where have they worked before?
Are they happy for you to see some of their previous work?
What is their expertise in the particular project you intend to carry out?
How do they want to be paid, on completion or in stages?
Can they supply references from satisfied customers?
Are they happy to accept a retention clause?
Will they give you a final completion date?
Will they accept a penalty clause on failure to complete the work on time?
Will they agree to independent arbitration should you have any dispute?

Finally, reassure yourself by checking out the builder's work, references and other aspects like work habits with previous clients. It is best to ask the question now, don't wait until it's too late!