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Choosing a builder

Part of roof to oak framed house When considering any building work to your property and you need to employ a builder, the choice needs to be made with great care. If things go wrong with your project it can have serious effects on the biggest financial investment you are possibly ever likely to make.

Are you:

confident that you are able to design and specify your project?
able to manage any approvals and agreements needed for the work?
confident that you can supervise the building and a detailed technical contract?

If not, we advise that you always take independent professional advice, for example from an architect, surveyor or building engineer or an experienced construction professional, whose services can be tailored to meet your needs and who will make sure the whole project is a success.

Remember, Building Control is available for professional and impartial advice and guidance – if in doubt, please ask us on 01992 785566.

Some important questions to ask your builder or tradesperson:

How long have they been trading or in business?
Can they provide references and details of a low claims history with a recognised trade organisation?
Where have they worked before?
Are they happy for you to see their previous work and talk to their customers?
Can they supply references from satisfied clients?
What is their expertise and experience in the particular project you intend to carry out?
How do they want to be paid – on completion or in stages? Is payment subject to you being happy with the work?
Are they happy to for you to keep back some of the agreed price of the work until you are satisfied it is actually finished?
Can they provide financial references?
Will they give you a completion date for the work?
Will they accept a penalty clause if they fail to complete the work on time?
Will they agree to having any dispute between you independently resolved?

Recently built houses Finally, reassure yourself by checking out the builder’s work, references and other aspects like work habits and reliability with the builder’s previous clients.