How to Find a Builder

Finding a builder you can trust with the right experience and skills is a daunting prospect. We’ve made it easy by partnering with the Federation of Master Builders. Their online Find a Builder tool above is the obvious place to start. You’ll be able to :

• Find trusted local builders that have been independently inspected to ensure their work is to a high standard
• Browse builder profiles to find those that have completed projects like yours, whether it’s a bathroom refurb or an extension
• Read customer reviews and see case studies of their work
• Select a builder who is a member of the largest construction trade body in the UK, for added peace of mind

But beyond using our Find a Builder tool, you could also:

• Ask friends and family for local recommendations. If they’re real friends, they’ll give you the “warts and all” reality of working with that builder, their strengths and weaknesses
• Check Facebook groups or local apps like Nextdoor. But make sure recommendations are truly independent and not simply friends promoting friends. And you’ll want to check the builder is legitimate.
• Ask tradespeople you trust who they’ve worked with before and rated. If you’re using an architect, ask them.
• Always get 3 quotes. Invite the builders round individually to talk through the project and make sure you get along. Then ask for the quote via email, with a breakdown of costs so you can compare them.
• Ask to see previous projects. Most builders who are proud of their work will be showing you pictures of similar jobs before you even ask. But do ask to see pictures and, for bigger projects, as for recommendations of previous customers that you are able to visit in person.
• But never use a cold caller. Even if they do say they can fix something you need doing, it pays to follow the above steps first and shop around.

Questions to ask a builder before hiring

Once you have quotes from a few builders to go through and compare, you’ll want to invite your “finalists” for a meeting to talk through any questions you have about the quote before you sign the contract. Questions to ask, if you haven’t already, include:

• When did you last do a project like this? Have they done many projects like this before – you want someone with experience. Ask to see examples, visit a previous project and speak to one of their previous clients for a reference.
• Will you organise obtaining Building Regulations approval where needed? See our guide on building regulations for how this works and your responsibilities as a homeowner
• Do you have the relevant insurance policies in place?
• What can I do to ensure the project stays within budget? Talk openly about your budget and ask where they think issues might arise. Often projects go over budget because the client changes their mind or is slow to make decisions. You can minimise this risk by asking the builder now what needs to be decided by when and coming up with a plan.
• Do you see any supply issues holding us up? Ask what if any parts of the project might face delays and how to mitigate those.
• In your experience is there anything we’ve missed here? If your builder is experienced it’s good to get their input where you’re struggling to decide. But do this early on.
• Who will be overseeing the project daily? Will they be on site daily or members of their team?
• How long will it take to complete the work?
• How and when will the final cost be determined, and what are the payment terms?
• Do you have a contract we can sign? We would recommend a contract, especially for bigger projects, to protect you and ensure you and the builder have a mutual understanding of key points in the project and for payment. FMB members have access to contracts they can use.
• Do you offer a warranty for your work? This may be the case for larger projects and house builds.

Find a builder now with our partners at the Federation of Master Builders using their easy online search >

How do I know if a builder is legitimate?

All builders found using our FMB search tool are legitimate. The FMB is the UK’s largest trade association for the construction industry. We’ve partnered with them because they check company history, financial records and proof of insurance. All their member’s work will also have been checked on site by an independent inspector to make sure it’s completed to a high standard. Read more advice on how to check your tradesman is legitimate

How to choose a builder for an extension

An extension is a major home improvement project delivering additional space to transform your home. When you’re investing so much time and money, you’ll be wondering how to choose a builder for an extension. Getting it right will be important. The key is to shop around. We recommend getting quotes from three different contractors for the work. You’ll usually need to invite at least five firms at the outset to ensure you get three quotes. Find out how to invite contractors to tender for the work

How to find a good home builder

If you’re looking for a good home builder you’ve come to the right place. The Federation of Master Builder members include a wide selection of reliable house builders located across the United Kingdom. Building a new home is a huge undertaking, so you’ll want to find someone experienced in developing quality new homes. You’ll want to get detailed quotes from at least 3 firms, get references and visit recent completed projects. A building contract is also a good idea to protect you and ensure clarity around key milestones. Start your search for a builder here