Top Building Project Tips

Starting a building project?

It can be a nightmarish task trying to find the right individuals or organisation to deliver a building project into which you have poured your dreams and your money.

Follow this easy-to-follow guide and we hope you will end up with a builder who delivers the quality of job you crave.

Our Top Tips

Ask your network. There’s nothing more valuable than a glowing personal recommendation. Speak to family, friends and business colleagues to see if they have direct experience of working with a builder who delivered top quality service.
Check credentials. Sadly, there are some less principled operators who claim to be members of trade organisations. Check with the body in question that the builder you are talking to is properly qualified.
Obtain references. Ask for details of previous projects – and visit the sites in person to be sure the project was delivered to the satisfaction of the property owners.
Draw up a full brief. Make sure you know from the start exactly what it is you are trying to create. Then give a copy to every builder you are asking to quote on your work.
Get a quotation. It’s best to ask at least three builders to tell you what they would charge to carry out your work. Don’t simply opt for the cheapest – make sure you are getting value for your money.

March 2018

Construction Date

120sqm

Surface Area

£228,000

Budget

Protect Yourself

Find out what is included. Ensure you receive a detailed breakdown of the costs and check carefully to see what they cover – and what they don’t. Does your quote cover site maintenance, clearance and materials, for instance?
Don’t go VAT-free. It may be tempting, but while paying cash might save you some money you won’t have a valid contract if there is no proof of payment for some or all of the work.
Talk about money. Some find it hard to address such a delicate subject, but it’s an essential part of the conversation. Your builder should be happy to agree payment terms in writing.
Don’t pay anything up front. Unless you require specialist materials, or the job is going to be a long one, you shouldn’t need to put down a cash deposit.
Insurance and guarantees. A builder should have enough cover to protect them and you against damages or accidents – and they should tell you what elements of your construction will be covered by guarantees.

If you have any more questions about the processes you should put in place to ensure your peace of mind, we’ll be only too happy to answer them.