Choosing Builders FAQs

Best methods: personal recommendations from friends/family, trade association directories (FMB, Checkatrade), local reviews, visiting completed projects, and professional referrals from architects. Always verify credentials and get references.

Key questions: How long in business? Can I see similar projects? References available? Who manages the project? What insurance do you have? How do you handle variations? What warranties do you offer? What's your payment schedule?

Look for: relevant trade certifications (Gas Safe, NICEIC, etc.), trade association membership (FMB, TrustMark), public liability insurance, employer's liability insurance, and any specialist certifications for your project type.

Main contractors offer: project management, coordinated scheduling, single point of responsibility, and often better trade rates. Self-managing suits simple projects if you have time and knowledge. For complex work, professional management reduces stress and risk.

Warning signs: large upfront payment requests, no written quote/contract, reluctance to provide references, no insurance documentation, significantly lowest quote, pressure to decide quickly, no fixed business address, and poor communication.