Choosing the Right Builders for Your Project

Once you have established a design for your home, the next thing you have to focus on is getting the best builder suited for the job. With the building industry growing rapidly, it would be no surprise if you encountered several ‘cowboy builders’. Therefore, this brings about the need to be very thorough when selecting the right builders for the project.

Getting a builder that is conversant with the current trends in the industry is crucial. From the building experts at proficiencyltd.co.uk, we see that a good builder should be aware of any legal requirements for the project. This is, of course, ranging from the planning permission to the party wall agreement if any.

You need to conduct thorough market research for you to make the right decision. But how do you choose the right builder to work with? We shall go through some of the important things you need to consider while making your decision.

Important things to consider when choosing a builder

As much as getting the right builder might be a daunting task, going through these important factors to consider will make your decision making easier. You will be able to get a qualified builder whose skills and expertise will match your construction needs.

• Defining your needs. Most of the time, what you need, or how you want your dream home to look plays a very crucial role in determining the type of builder you choose. You need to hire someone who can deliver what you desire.
• Weighing in on the level of expertise. For how long has the builder been doing their job? It is obvious that someone who has been in the job for a long time is well versed with the expertise and knowledge needed to partake the task.
• Determine your budget. Once you know how much you can or are willing to spend on your project, then it will be easier for you to agree on an estimated cost with your prospective builder. For example, if you need to remodel a bathroom, every cost, in this case, should be detailed; from the material costs, labour, and any other cost that will be incurred.

• Having a look at previous client reviews. By looking at reviews from previous clients or existing clients, you will be able to gauge their level of skill as well as their customer relations.
• Seeking recommendations from friends or neighbours. Whenever you are trying to source the best builders, your friends and neighbours are a good place to start. Especially if you like the design of their home, then it will be easier for you to know the builder to contract.
• Having a look at any accreditations and documentations. Whenever you’re planning on hiring someone, word of mouth shouldn’t be enough. You need to have a look at all their documentation and certification to establish whether the business is legal. This will help you avoid hiring any bogus builders. Also, you can check if they’re registered with any trade association.
• Compliance with local regulations. You need to hire a builder that complies with all the set building regulations and legal requirements. This will help you avoid getting into any trouble with the local authorities while the project is underway.

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• Obtain quotations from several builders. Most of the time you’ll find some builders giving you some unrealistic quotations. By looking at the quality of the work as well as comparing the quotations you get from different builders you’ve shortlisted, you will be able to settle for the right builder.
• Know who will be in charge of the project. For most companies, a project manager is usually appointed to take charge of the project. H/She ensures that every aspect of the project goes accordingly and being your single point of contact, you get up to date information on the progress of the whole process.
• Is your builder insured? Your builder should be able to protect themselves, your property and any other persons involved against any damage and personal and public liability that may be incurred in the place of an accident or injury.
• Do they have any structural guarantee? A good builder should be able to provide for a policy that protects against any defects after the construction work within a certain period. Most builders provide a structural guarantee that lasts for at least 10 years but the period varies with each company.

There are many things that one can put into consideration and these are just a few of those. These tips will help you find a reputable builder for your project. Remember, choosing the best contractor is the difference between getting your dream home and getting a nightmare of a house.

Things you should avoid when choosing a builder

It is not once or twice that homeowners are approached by builders whose deal is too good to be true. Perhaps it’s that VAT-free deal or many unrealistic verbal promises. For you to be able to discern the dodgy builders from any real builder, you need to be careful and avoid some things. Not only do builders vary in the quality of their work but also their workmanship, area of specialization but also their aftersale services among other things.

But how do you know when you’re on the verge of being scammed by a dishonest builder? Discussed below are some of the things you should avoid when selecting the right contractor for your project. In case you have issues, you can always consult a law firms such as Vosslawfirm.

• Any VAT-free deals that come your way should be avoided like plague. You heard that right! Your contract may turn out to be invalid if there’s no proof of payment.
• Do not fall for any word of mouth. Ensure that you verify all the credentials your prospective builder shows you. This will help you to avoid doing business with any fraudulent contractors because let’s face it; they’ll always be there in the industry.
• Do not settle for any verbal contracts. Always make sure that all the details of the agreement are broken down clearly. Make sure you understand everything before signing anything.
• Do not choose a builder whom you’re not comfortable with. You need to hire someone whom you can communicate freely without being afraid or filtering details. Remember, it’s only through clear communication that you’ll be able to get the design you want for your dream home.
• Avoid any builder asking you to pay cash upfront. Not unless it’s required for purchase of building materials, your builder shouldn’t ask you to pay cash upfront. You should agree on the payment terms with your builder clearly in writing.

These are just some of the red flags you might encounter when choosing an appropriate builder for your home and they are what you should also avoid at all cost. Not unless you don’t mind getting a shoddy job done for you in the name of a dream home.

Every homeowner should be very keen when choosing a builder for their project because that will determine how your dream home will look like. You will also be able to avoid any losses or unwarranted expenses.