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How to find a good builder

It’s important to find the right builder to do your work.

We have tips and advice on finding trades people you can trust to do a good job.
 

 

Here’s a quick checklist of things to look for

  • Clear pricing. You’ll want to know what you are paying for.
  • Good communication. How easy are they to get hold of and how quick do they reply?
  • Examples of their work. Any good trades person will be happy to show off their work.
  • Do your research. Look to see if they are part of any accreditation scheme and trade association. The Federation of Master Builders is a good place to start.
  • Agree on timescales. Have an agreed plan for the work to start. And make sure the plan covers the large and small jobs.

Top five tips for finding the right builder

1. Search online reviews and ratings

It’s easy to see reviews and ratings for builders in your area online. Look for top recommend builders who are happy to share examples of their recent work and reviews from their customers.

2. Get personal recommendations

Ask family, friends or neighbours if they would recommend anyone they have previously used. You’ll then get a first-hand account of the level of service they offered.

3. Ask other trades people for their recommendations

Tradesmen will always want to work alongside other trades people they know and trust. It makes their job easier if they know the builder or plasterer does a good job.

4. Use someone who is local

If you’re using a local company, they’ll be more familiar with local planning and building regulations. They’ll also have contacts for materials and building supplies.

5. Create a shortlist

Meet the tradesperson face to face, it’ll give you a better feel for the person doing the work. Ask them about their experience and get them to give you a written quote for the work. See three or four then you can compare costs and their experience. It will also show you how responsive they are.

Other things to consider

Before you start work, there are a few other things to think about.

Design professionals

An architect or structural engineer is not just for a house build or an extension. You may need one if you are changing the structure of your property.

For example, if you knock down a wall, they will make sure that you have plans in place to keep your home structurally safe.

They can be expensive, but it’s better to pay a professional to make sure your property isn’t damaged.

Architects will know the building regulations your work will need to adhere to. They’ll create plans that meet the regulations which your builder will work from. 

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) can help you find a chartered architect.

Approvals before you start

Before the work begins, it’s your responsibility to make sure all approvals have been applied for and accepted.

Planning permission

Check with your local authority for what planning permission is needed.

Building regulations

Check on the government website for what building regulation approvals you need.

Switch and borrow more

Thinking about borrowing more on your mortgage and switching to a new deal? We’ve made it a little easier.

If you have three months or less left on your current deal, or your previous deal has already ended, you can switch to a new deal and apply to borrow more online.

See all the latest Halifax deals that are available and choose the one that suits you best. Answer a few simple questions and get a decision in around 15 minutes.

Lending is subject to application and an assessment of your circumstances.

Switch and borrowing more

Paying for home improvements

If you’re looking to renovate to add value to your property or need the extra space, additional borrowing options could be a way to pay for it.

It’s a way to borrow the money you need on your existing mortgage.

 


 

Borrowing options

Good to know

You’ll need to let your home insurer and mortgage provider know of any major changes. For example, if you’ve increased the number of bedrooms or had an extension. It could impact your insurance.

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