Arguably the trickiest part of any build or renovation is finding a builder — one with not only the right skills, but also someone you can trust. Don’t start your search until reading our guide
(Image credit: FMB)
Finding the right builder and tradespeople to take your build, extension or renovation project from start to finish, without a hitch, should be top of your priority list when setting out on your project — yet it is not always as easy as it sounds.
Did you know that in the UK, any person or company is legally allowed to undertake construction work without having to demonstrate a minimum level of competence?
While you obviously want a builder who will deliver the very highest quality results, you should also be on the lookout for one with the right experience, great references and someone who you have a good relationship with too — but where to start?
In this guide, we give you the top five best ways to find the builder of your dreams to ensure your project stays on schedule and budget and delivers everything you hoped it would.
How to avoid cowboy builders
No-one wants to find themselves in a situation where the builders or trades they took on to carry out work to their home are either not up to the job or who are unreliable. However, there is currently no requirement for builders to hold a licence (or similar) to show they meet a minimum level of competence, training or skill. This means many homeowners feel, understandably, concerned about who they are hiring for their project. This is why the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is now campaigning for a mandatory licensing scheme to be introduced for the UK construction industry. They have helped to establish the Licence UK Construction Task Force to drive the campaign forward.
“We know 32% of homeowners put off doing major building work because they fear hiring rogue builders,” say the FMB. “78% of consumers want to see a licensing scheme introduced and nearly 90% believe the Government should criminalise rogue traders”
So, with no current licensing scheme in place, how can you find a builder you can trust?
Minimise the risks of choosing a builder blind by ensuring you select someone who is a member of a trusted organisation, such as the FMB. The FMB shines a spotlight on quality builders so you can choose with confidence.(Image credit: FMB)
1. Search using the FMB's online tool
You can find anything online these days — a reliable builder included, but you do need to take care where you carry out your search. Not all recommendations and accreditations are created equal.
The FMB’s Find a Builder search tool is completely free to use and connects clients with vetted and independently inspected Master Builders in their area. Simply pop in your postcode and the kind of building work you are after to get a list of quality builders near you. This is a great way to remove some of the risks that can be involved with hiring in trades — in the absence of any licensing scheme at present, the FMB vets professional building companies and an independent inspection of their work is carried out before they are allowed to join and become an FMB member.
2. Ask friends and family for recommendations
Once you have a shortlist of vetted builders, it is also a great idea to ask family members and friends who you trust and who have recently had any building work carried out, for their recommendations. A quick note here — this really only works if the kind of work that your source has had done is of a similar nature to your own project. A builder who has successfully completed a small single storey lean-to extension might not be right for your self build, for example.
3. Ask other trusted tradespeople for contacts
The great thing about using a builder or other trade, such as an electrician or plumber, who has been inspected and approved by an organisation such as the FMB, is that they should be able to put you in touch with other individuals and companies who they have worked with previously — and this can be a great way to add to your build team.
4. Speak to your architect for advice
If you are using an architect to design your project then do ask them if they could recommend a builder — they usually have a wealth of local contacts and can point you in the right direction.
Once you have the names of a few of your architect’s contacts, you can check their credentials further by seeing if they are members of a trade organisation such as the FMB.
5. Be on the lookout locally
Very often, when walking or driving around your local area, you will become aware of building projects in progress or that have been recently completed. Take note of those that you like the look of, where the site has been kept neat and tidy and the progress seems to have been good and steady — you could even so far as to knock on the door to ask the owners for their opinion of the builders before dropping them a line.
Once again, in the absence of any kind of mandatory licensing scheme at present, it really does make sense to check out the credentials of any builder before you hire them, using the FMB's Find a Builder tool. The FMB is a not-for-profit trade association that supports small and medium-sized construction companies across the UK, and connects homeowners with quality builders you can trust.
Get the Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter
Bring your dream home to life with expert advice, how to guides and design inspiration. Sign up for our newsletter and get two free tickets to a Homebuilding & Renovating Show near you.
