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How to find a builder you can trust can be challenging. And choosing the right builder for your project is essential to its success.

So what should you look for in a builder? https://hypebuilding.co.uk/how-to-fin...

Here's our Choosing a Builder checklist:

1. Experience
Our top tip on how to find a builder you can trust is to look at their level of experience. Longevity usually suggests that they’re good at what they do. Have a look on Companies House. You can easily find out how many years a builder has been trading.

2. Reputation
If a builder comes highly recommended, their reputation usually precedes them. Good builders have good reviews – whether word of mouth or online for the world to see. Checkatrade, Trustpilot, Yell or Google should give a good indication of how highly rated your builder is.

3. Workmanship
Does your builder have a website that showcases previous work? If so, are there any examples of projects similar to yours? If your builder has worked for a friend or family member, ask to see the work. Is it finished to a high standard?

4. Contract
Steer clear of a builder who does not use a contract. Without one you’re leaving yourself completely vulnerable should anything go wrong. The most common types of contract in the construction/building industry are JCT and Schedule of Works. Either will establish the responsibilities of the builder in delivering your project.

5. Insurance
Make sure you choose a builder who is fully insured. We’re not just referring to a standard Public Liability policy here. We mean Contractor’s All Risk (CAR) insurance. CAR insurance will cover any damage caused to the building works. For example if there is an unexpected flood, storm or fire.

6. VAT registration
VAT registration is mandatory when turnover exceeds £85,000. Consequently, if a builder is VAT registered, they will likely be handling large scale jobs—and, therefore, be more capable. Especially when you consider that just a couple of HMO conversions would probably exceed the threshold.

7. Lead time
Would you trust a builder who can start work on your project immediately? Probably not. Hence, another good indication of the calibre of a builder is how busy they are. Good, reputable builders will have jobs booked well in advance. Expect lead times to be 6 weeks or more.

8. Relationship
It’s important to work with someone you get along with. Because things can change and issues can arise during a project. It’s much easier to overcome obstacles if you get along with your builder. When you speak to them, how do they come across? Are they approachable? Do they have time for you? Do they fill you with confidence?

9. Communication
This leads on from the previous point. Good communication is key in any good relationship. At various stages of your project you will need progress reports. This is especially important if you’re an investor who won’t be visiting the site. How does your builder keep you up-to-speed? How professional is their system?

10. Location
There are two ways to think about this. You might prefer a local builder because you’re more familiar with them and their work. Plus they can be on site quicker when you need them to be. On the other hand, you may want to employ a builder from further afield because of their outstanding reputation and expertise.

11. Payment
A good builder will have a payment schedule. This usually involves paying an initial deposit followed by instalments at various stages. For example, when the project is 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% complete. Avoid a builder who wants all of the money up front.

Other considerations

These are the main things to think about when you’re looking for builders. Other things you might want to consider are:

Asking your local Building Inspector. Working for the local authority, a Building Inspector should have good knowledge of trustworthy, reputable local tradespeople.

Finding a builder who has the capacity to deal with all trades or sub-contractors. Larger building companies know how project manage, which saves you the task. Moreover, they work with – or have access to – multiple trades. If you are converting a HMO, for example, you may need an electrician, a plumber, a joiner, a plasterer, a painter and decorator, and even a roofer. You wouldn’t want to find these trades individually.

If you need a reliable, trustworthy builder who can get the job done properly, get HYPE!

p.s. DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO IF YOU ARE EASILY OFFENDED – EITHER BY COLOURFUL LANGUAGE OR TERRIBLE WORKMANSHIP!

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