Get your brief clear before asking for prices
Drawings, permissions, specifications and a realistic list of must-haves make it much easier for builders to quote accurately.
Choosing a builder
How to compare builders before you commit.
Choosing a builder is easier when you start with a clear brief, comparable quotes, sensible background checks and a contract that reflects the actual scope of work.
Practical checklist
The strongest decision is usually the best documented one.
Compare more than one quote
Multiple quotes help reveal missing items, unusual assumptions and whether one option is priced very differently from the others.
Check relevant experience
Ask about similar projects, references, insurance and how any specialist work would be handled or subcontracted.
Read reviews with context
Online reviews are useful, but they should sit alongside references, project examples and your own conversations with the builder.
Use a clear, written contract
The contract should define scope, payment stages, variations, permissions, site rules and how communication will be handled day-to-day.
Keep contingency aside
Allow a realistic sum for the unexpected, especially on extensions, refurbishments and older properties where surprises are more common.
Ready to find a suitable builder?
Tell us about your project and we will introduce you to suitable local builders and help you compare their quotes.