Finding a Builder in the UK: Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Hiring a builder for an extension, renovation, or significant structural project is one of the larger financial decisions many homeowners make.

Hiring a builder for an extension, renovation, or significant structural project is one of the larger financial decisions many homeowners make. Asking the right questions before you sign anything significantly reduces the risk of things going wrong.

Question 1: Can I See Examples of Similar Work?

A builder confident in their work will have no hesitation providing photos of recent comparable projects and, ideally, contact details for those clients. Visit completed projects in person where possible — the quality of joints, alignment, and finishes is hard to fake on a physical site.

Question 2: Are You a Member of a Trade Body?

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the main relevant body for general builders. Members are independently vetted and must pass technical and financial assessments. TrustMark, the government-endorsed quality scheme, is also searchable and verifiable online.

Question 3: Do You Have Insurance?

• Public liability insurance (minimum £1 million; £5 million is standard for most projects)
• Employers' liability insurance (legally required if they employ staff)
• Contract works insurance (covers the build itself)

Ask to see the certificates. A builder who can't produce them or becomes defensive about this should be avoided.

Question 4: Who Will Actually Do the Work?

Some building companies subcontract the actual labour. This isn't necessarily a problem, but you should know who will be on site and whether those subcontractors are vetted and insured.

Question 5: What Contract Will You Use?

Always use a written contract before any work begins. The JCT Minor Works Contract is well suited to domestic building projects. At minimum, a written document specifying the work, price, payment schedule, and completion date is essential.

Question 6: What's the Payment Schedule?

Payments should be tied to stages of completion, not to calendar dates. A reasonable schedule: deposit on start (10 to 20 per cent), payment at key milestones, and final payment on completion. Never pay everything upfront.

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