Last week, we heard the news that a client of ours had been defrauded of £10k by their builder; not one recommended by us, thankfully, but terrible news no less.
The builder simply disappeared, van sold, no word, likely left the country.
In any project, knowing who you are dealing with is fundamental. Construction work can be one of the most expensive outlays in your life. It is also renowned for being a bit of a Wild West.
Here are some of our best tips when picking a builder:
Whilst recommendations are a good starting point, they are not enough on their own. After all, they are often made by people who do not know much about construction either. It is often the issues under the surface that are, by their nature, the most expensive to fix.
Make sure the value of their business is worth more to them than the cost of walking away from your project.
Go and see them in action on site; take them a coffee. We would only recommend a builder if we had worked with them in the past or visited them on-site. If you do not know your DPC from your DPM, take someone who does. Knowing what to look for matters more than just showing up.
Get a full package of drawing information and specifications to tie that contractor to delivering something specific and objective. Subjectivity is a risk, and we all know that when we assume things, we make an 'Ass' out of 'U' and 'Me'.
Always use a reputable contract, such as a JCT contract, and not the builder's own making. You may not be a legal expert, and they definitely aren't. We have seen many DIY contracts that are just a page or two long, this is a big red flag. A good contract protects both parties, and if a builder walks away when presented with one, it has already achieved its primary purpose.
Break the project into small pre-agreed stage payments (confirmed in the contract) and, better yet, get an independent contract administrator to sign off the release of payments only once work is completed to standard.
A successful construction project relies on careful research, clear agreements, and robust processes. A dependable builder will appreciate detailed plans, structured payments, and professional oversight, which benefit everyone involved. Taking the right steps from the outset ensures your project is on solid ground and reduces the risk of complications. When unsure, consult with professionals to keep your plans secure and your mind at ease; A relatively small investment early on, can save large figures later down the line.