15 Questions to Ask Your Builder

Choosing the right builder is about much more than just the cost! It makes sense to go with trusted recommendations when it comes to finding tradespeople and once you meet with them you should look out for any red flags that cause you concern and then do your research!

This month we’ve put together a handy list of our top 15 questions you should ask a builder before you sign any contracts. These questions will help you uncover any potential issues you might face and give you a better indication of whether they will be the right fit for your project.

1. Can I see recommendations and references?
   Ideally you want to see references from previous customers, Architects, Architectural Technologists and Designers that they have worked for in the past.

2. Are you a member of a Trade Association?
   Look out for builders who are members of the Federations of Master Builders (FMB) or the National House Builders Council (NHBC) or the Considerate Constructor Scheme (CCS).

3. What is your Health & Safety Policy?
   Health and safety matters, it is a legal duty placed on all stakeholders of any construction project regardless of the size. Your house is going to be a building site for a while so make sure you and your builder keep everyone safe.

4. What is your experience?
   Ask how many similar projects they have successfully completed. How many years of experience does their team have? How many people work in their team?

5. Are you prepared to work in collaboration with us?
   Collaboration will help you propose cost saving and value improvements to the design and specification of the works throughout the duration of the contract.

6. Which form of contract do you use?
   Look for builders who will use a professional contract issued by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT). These contracts have been designed to protect you and the builder for the duration of the contract. Ask for a copy of a blank contract. If using a more advanced contract you may need to employ a Contract Administrator.

7. Will you require an upfront payment?
   There are very few circumstances where money up front is necessary for small projects. If it is, make sure both parties agree and have this agreement in writing. For most projects your builder should be able to financially support the project. Always pay for work in arrears and do your background checks with Companies House or do a Credit Search.

8. Do you have Insurance?
   A reputable builder should be able to provide you a copy of their ‘All Risks’ insurance including Employers Liability and Public Liability.

9. Are you registered for VAT?
   A builder claiming to be under the VAT threshold will not be doing much work, a very low workload suggests lack of experience.

10. When will you submit your invoice?
    This is important for both parties and understanding the payment schedule for the project is essential.

11. How long will a project like this take to build?
    An experienced builder will be able to estimate how long a project will take and advise you of their particular lead times, build times, hours of working and availability for meetings.

12. Will you help us reduce the build costs?
    In most circumstances the builder should be happy to sit down with you and go through your specification, discuss what level of quality is affordable and what product and materials will add value to the project.

13. What are the ways in which we should communicate any changes, variations, concerns or questions?
    Define which communication methods work best for the builder. Most projects break down because of a lack of communication.

14. Do you have any issues working with our designer on this project?
    Some builders may not be happy working with some designers, there can be many reasons for this, so it's worth asking the questions.

15. What are your costs?
    For most people this will be the deciding factor, cheap prices will always grab your attention. But beware, these usually appear as oneline quotations with no detail or breakdown and this leaves you vulnerable to being overcharged later on.

 Once you have selected the right builder for you and your project, you need to ensure your site is a pleasant place to work and create good rapport. Showing appreciation for a job well done and offering the occasional mug of tea and a box of biscuits always goes down well.

Follow these simple steps and you might be surprised how enjoyable the build process can be. 

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