Do I Need Planning Permission.co.uk
Making the most of your Home

Top Tips on Finding & Working with your Builder

February 16, 2011

So you've done your research and looked into whether or not you need planning permission. Well done. Now you can get down to the business of the build. Whether you're going for a kitchen extension or loft conversion, a lot of work goes into turning your home improvement dreams into reality. Don't panic, instead take the time to find the right builder and everything else will fall into place. Putting your home in the hands of a capable expert is the surest way to ensure a smooth project from start to finish. There are plenty of great builders out there - for most people the trouble is knowing where to find them.

Luckily, the team at MyBuilder.com understand how important it is to find a builder you can trust and they've got a solution to help. MyBuilder.com is a service that provides a trusted environment for homeowners to connect with local tradesmen. Builders on the site have reviews left by homeowners who've hired them previously - kind of like eBay for the trades. MyBuilder.com has over 44,000 members - from painters & decorators to plumbers and everything in-between. All you do is post your job and tradespeople with relevant skills will automatically get in touch through the site with message and quotes. It's easy to tell who's reputable and who isn't based on their feedback and qualifications.

For more advice when looking for a builder, follow these top tips from MyBuilder.com:

1. Experience shapes expertise

It's important to get a clear picture of the builder's experience prior to hiring. Building work can be full of surprises and bad communication can cause budgets to spiral and projects to crumble. A qualified professional builder will liaise with their client every step of the way - come bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Make sure any builders you're considering have experience doing similar work. Even better, get reassurance by asking to visit their client's homes.

2. Do you need a jack of all trades or a specialist?

Large projects normally require several different trades. A typical extension build will need the services of a bricklayer, plasterer, electrician and plumber. A carpenter, painter and tiler may also be needed to achieve a quality finish. Using specialist tradesmen (that are qualified where necessary) will help ensure that work is carried out safely and to a high standard. Unless you're keen to take on the role of project manager, we recommend you find a builder who can manage the team and source sub-contractors when needed.

3. Quotology

Always get at least three quotes. When comparing costs, make sure they've all been provided to the same spec. Remember, there's a big difference between a rough estimate and a formal quote. Be wary of tradesmen who throw figures around with having enough information. Most tradesmen are more than happy to pop by for a free site assessment. Getting your favourite builders around for a viewing also provides an opportunity to get to know them better.

4. Don't guess, check!

One of the most common reasons that issues arise is poor communication. Tell prospective builders exactly what you want and make sure they're on the same page. Good builders will offer guidance and advice along the way. Make sure you cover off the following key points prior to awarding the job:

• Verify their insurance - All builders should have public liability insurance and employers liability insurance if they are responsible for a team (if using MyBuilder.com, look for the stamp on their profile)
• Payment terms - stage payments tend to work well for both parties
• Materials - ask about trade discounts & guarantees
• Contracts - get everything in writing, it protects you and your builder!

Once you've hired, if changes are made to the spec, ask for a revised quote - that way they'll be no questions when it comes to pay up. Most importantly, at the first sign of a problem, address it head on. Hurt feelings are usually less costly to mend than a damaged home.

Happy building!

To find a company who may assist you further, simply click on the free links located on the right hand side of the page.

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