How to hire a reputable builder

Question

I've been burned by rogue builders in the past. I've got a shortlist of builders that are FMB members and are local to my area. And I know not to pay in advance. What other checks should I do before hiring?

Chris · Answer

Ask existing clients look at work they have carried out  just because they belong to the Fmb it’s not a guarantee  old clients and word of mouth is best and builders have been burnt by clients so it does work both ways

Thomas · Answer

Don’t judge everyone the same it’s not fair on others and wait till work is complete and if not happy don’t pay

Graham · Answer

Hi, i think the best way of checking a builder out is firstly see if they have previous jobs you can go and see,or maybe the job there working on presently,i would  not get to hung up on members of this or that,as to be honest you can belong to any of them quite easily if your willing to pay there fee.Also they should be able to provide phone numbers of previous customers.

William · Answer

Check their ratings and what previous customers have to say.
Ask to see some of previous jobs nearby. 
Ask for written questions. 
Ask to have the work carried out in stages and payment only to be paid on satisfactory completion of each stage of the work.

Leigh · Answer

Word of mouth is always pretty good
Also, there are sites now where the builders are always reviewed so you can see exactly what they're about
As for not to pay in advance, not many builders will pay out for materials and wages and take the risk when its the customer that wants the work
I would think a deposit and stage payments would be the scenario

Simon · Answer

Some sort of contract (simple is fine) based around a design and with a specification outlining what is being agreed upon and at what stages payments are made. Expect to put up some sort of deposit for materials and then either monthly valuations for the amount of work completed or a staged payment system that clearly defines what is included up
Till then (typical stages are completion of foundation, top of brick work, roof covering and then internal finishes) also you could run a credit check or get referrals for others who have had similar done.  Not all
Builders are companies though so don’t use these tests for making final decision, and don’t just go for the cheapest, you get what you pay for but also remember quotes must be for the same thing or they can’t be compared

Zilan · Answer

Public Liability Insurance Check would be important.

How to hire a reputable builder

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