Choosing who builds your project matters more than any finish you will pick. The right contractor protects your budget, your programme and your home; the wrong one can cost far more than the price difference between quotes. Here is a practical checklist we would give a friend.
See finished work — and ask about it
Look at completed projects similar to yours, ideally in person. Ask what went wrong and how it was handled: every project has surprises, and good contractors talk about them openly.
Read real reviews
Google reviews and direct references are the most useful. Look for comments about communication, tidiness and finishing on time, not just the final result.
Check the company
Look the business up on Companies House: how long it has traded and whether accounts are filed on time. Ask for proof of public liability and employer's liability insurance.
Insist on an itemised quote
A single lump sum hides what is and isn't included. A line-by-line quote lets you compare contractors fairly and see the cost of each decision.
Ask what is excluded
Skips, scaffolding, building control fees, making good, decoration, certificates — the exclusions list often explains why one quote is much lower than another.
Agree a written contract
A recognised form such as the JCT Homeowner contract sets out the price, programme, payment stages and how changes are agreed and priced.
Pay in stages, against progress
Payments should follow completed stages of work. Be wary of large upfront deposits beyond what is needed to order long-lead materials.
Confirm approvals and certificates
Who applies for building control? Electrical work should be certified under Part P and gas work done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You will need these certificates when you sell.
Know who you will deal with
Ask who runs the site day to day, how often you will get updates and who makes decisions when something unexpected is found.
Ask about aftercare
What guarantee comes with the work, and what happens if something needs attention six months after handover?
Comparing quotes fairly
Put quotes side by side line by line. If one is much lower, check the exclusions, the specification and the programme before deciding. A realistic price that holds is worth more than a low price that grows.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I check before hiring a builder?
See finished work, read reviews, check the company on Companies House, ask for insurance certificates, get an itemised quote and a written contract, and agree stage payments linked to progress.
How much deposit should a builder ask for?
Payments should follow completed stages of work. A deposit should normally cover only what is needed to order long-lead materials.
Want a price for your project?
Use our calculator for an instant range, or book a free survey for a fixed, itemised quote.
