How to find a builder - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 08:55, 20 December 2020

2020-12-20T08:55:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:55, 20 December 2020
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	Payment terms should be agreed before work begins, whether the builder is to be paid in full at the end or in pre-agreed stages, with a final payment held back until the work is complete and any snags have been rectified. A cash deposit or upfront payment should be avoided if possible, unless specialist building materials have to be purchased, and then ownership of those materials should be vested in the client. For more information, see Vesting certificate for construction goods plant or materials.		Payment terms should be agreed before work begins, whether the builder is to be paid in full at the end or in pre-agreed stages, with a final payment held back until the work is complete and any snags have been rectified. A cash deposit or upfront payment should be avoided if possible, unless specialist building materials have to be purchased, and then ownership of those materials should be vested in the client. For more information, see Vesting certificate for construction goods plant or materials.

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.		* Avoiding planning permission pitfalls.
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	* Self-build homes.		* Self-build homes.

−	[[Category:Appointments]] [[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Procurement]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Appointments]] [[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Designing Buildings at 06:44, 4 June 2020

2020-06-04T06:44:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:44, 4 June 2020
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	A builder is a tradesperson that can be employed by a client to undertake building works. Typically, the word 'builder' is associated with relatively small works such as such as house building, extensions, renovation works, and so on. Larger or more complex projects are generally undertaken by 'contractors', although the distinction between the two is not always clear.	+	A builder is a tradesperson that can be employed by a client to undertake building works. Typically, the word 'builder' is associated with relatively small works such as such as house building, extensions, renovation works, and so on. Larger or more complex projects are generally undertaken by 'contractors', although the distinction between the two is not always clear. For more information see: Builder v contractor and How to find a contractor.
−		+
−	For more information see: Builder v contractor and How to find a contractor.	+

	Appointing a builder can be a daunting responsibility, particularly for domestic clients who may not have used a builder before. However, it is important that great care is taken to ensure the selection process is thorough. There are several steps that can be taken to find the most appropriate builder.		Appointing a builder can be a daunting responsibility, particularly for domestic clients who may not have used a builder before. However, it is important that great care is taken to ensure the selection process is thorough. There are several steps that can be taken to find the most appropriate builder.
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	= Recommendations and references =		= Recommendations and references =

−	Getting personal recommendations can help identify a suitable and reliable builder. When asking for recommendations, questions worth asking might relate to the quality of the workmanship, the cost, the length of time it took to complete ~~the~~ work, whether any problems ~~that~~ arose and how they were dealt with, how tidy they were, how busy they are, how long it took for them to start ~~the work~~, and so on.	+	Getting personal recommendations can help identify a suitable and reliable builder. When asking for recommendations, questions worth asking might relate to the quality of the workmanship, the cost, the length of time it took to complete work, whether any problems arose and how they were dealt with, how tidy they were, how busy they are, how long it took for them to start, and so on.

	It can also be worth asking for recommendations from plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople who will have worked with a number of different builders during their career. Similarly, architects may be able to recommend builders with expertise suited to the project.		It can also be worth asking for recommendations from plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople who will have worked with a number of different builders during their career. Similarly, architects may be able to recommend builders with expertise suited to the project.

Designing Buildings at 15:19, 3 September 2018

2018-09-03T15:19:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:19, 3 September 2018
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	* Finding good building contractors.		* Finding good building contractors.
	* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.		* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.
−	* Hiring new builders.
	* How to build a porch.		* How to build a porch.
	* How to find a contractor.		* How to find a contractor.

Editor at 15:25, 22 August 2018

2018-08-22T15:25:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:25, 22 August 2018
Line 62:		Line 62:
	* Finding good building contractors.		* Finding good building contractors.
	* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.		* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.
		+	* Hiring new builders.
	* How to build a porch.		* How to build a porch.
	* How to find a contractor.		* How to find a contractor.

Editor at 15:06, 22 August 2018

2018-08-22T15:06:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:06, 22 August 2018
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	* CDM for self-builders and domestic clients.		* CDM for self-builders and domestic clients.
	* Construction contractor.		* Construction contractor.
		+	* Finding good building contractors.
	* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.		* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.
	* How to build a porch.		* How to build a porch.

Editor at 15:13, 12 March 2018

2018-03-12T15:13:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 12 March 2018
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	A builder is a tradesperson that can be employed by a client to undertake building works. Typically, the word 'builder' is associated with relatively small works such as such as house building, extensions, renovation works, and so on. Larger or more complex projects are generally undertaken by 'contractors', although the distinction between the two is not always clear. For more information see: ~~builder~~ v contractor~~. See also:~~ How to find a contractor.	+	A builder is a tradesperson that can be employed by a client to undertake building works. Typically, the word 'builder' is associated with relatively small works such as such as house building, extensions, renovation works, and so on. Larger or more complex projects are generally undertaken by 'contractors', although the distinction between the two is not always clear.
		+
		+	For more information see: Builder v contractor and How to find a contractor.

	Appointing a builder can be a daunting responsibility, particularly for domestic clients who may not have used a builder before. However, it is important that great care is taken to ensure the selection process is thorough. There are several steps that can be taken to find the most appropriate builder.		Appointing a builder can be a daunting responsibility, particularly for domestic clients who may not have used a builder before. However, it is important that great care is taken to ensure the selection process is thorough. There are several steps that can be taken to find the most appropriate builder.
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	* Construction contractor.		* Construction contractor.
	* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.		* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.
		+	* How to build a porch.
	* How to find a contractor.		* How to find a contractor.
	* Making sure your builder has appropriate insurance.		* Making sure your builder has appropriate insurance.

Editor at 15:00, 13 December 2017

2017-12-13T15:00:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:00, 13 December 2017
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	= Recommendations and references =		= Recommendations and references =

−	Getting personal recommendations can help identify a suitable and reliable builder. When asking for recommendations, questions worth asking might relate to the quality of the workmanship, the cost, the length of time it took to complete the work, whether any problems that arose and how they were dealt with, how tidy they were, how busy they are, how long it took for them to start the work and so on.	+	Getting personal recommendations can help identify a suitable and reliable builder. When asking for recommendations, questions worth asking might relate to the quality of the workmanship, the cost, the length of time it took to complete the work, whether any problems that arose and how they were dealt with, how tidy they were, how busy they are, how long it took for them to start the work, and so on.

	It can also be worth asking for recommendations from plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople who will have worked with a number of different builders during their career. Similarly, architects may be able to recommend builders with expertise suited to the project.		It can also be worth asking for recommendations from plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople who will have worked with a number of different builders during their career. Similarly, architects may be able to recommend builders with expertise suited to the project.
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	* Details relating to VAT.		* Details relating to VAT.
	* How building regulations approval will be dealt with.		* How building regulations approval will be dealt with.
−	* Certificates of insurance providing cover against property damage and personal and public liability.	+	* Certificates of insurance providing cover against property damage and personal and public liability. For more information, see Making sure your builder has appropriate insurance.
	* Design proposals if these have been requested.		* Design proposals if these have been requested.

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	The agreement should include the details of the work required, start and completion dates, the price, insurance requirements, penalties for late completion, dispute resolution procedures, responsibility for CDM, retention, and so on. For more information see: Contract conditions.		The agreement should include the details of the work required, start and completion dates, the price, insurance requirements, penalties for late completion, dispute resolution procedures, responsibility for CDM, retention, and so on. For more information see: Contract conditions.

−	Payment terms should be agreed before work begins, whether the builder is to be paid in full at the end or in pre-agreed stages, with a final payment held back until the work is complete and any snags have been rectified. A cash deposit or upfront payment should be avoided if possible, unless specialist building materials have to be purchased, and then ownership of those materials should be vested in the client. For more information see: Vesting certificate for construction goods plant or materials.	+	Payment terms should be agreed before work begins, whether the builder is to be paid in full at the end or in pre-agreed stages, with a final payment held back until the work is complete and any snags have been rectified. A cash deposit or upfront payment should be avoided if possible, unless specialist building materials have to be purchased, and then ownership of those materials should be vested in the client. For more information, see Vesting certificate for construction goods plant or materials.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =
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	* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.		* Hiring an architect as a domestic client.
	* How to find a contractor.		* How to find a contractor.
		+	* Making sure your builder has appropriate insurance.
	* Planning permission.		* Planning permission.
	* Self-build homes.		* Self-build homes.

	[[Category:Appointments]] [[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Procurement]]		[[Category:Appointments]] [[Category:Client_procedures]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Designing Buildings at 12:27, 7 December 2017

2017-12-07T12:27:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:27, 7 December 2017
Line 1:		Line 1:
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	A builder is a tradesperson that can be employed by a client to undertake building works. Typically, the word 'builder' is associated with relatively small works such as such as house building, extensions, renovation works, and so on. Larger or more complex projects are generally undertaken by 'contractors', although the distinction between the two is not always clear. For more information see: builder v contractor.	+	A builder is a tradesperson that can be employed by a client to undertake building works. Typically, the word 'builder' is associated with relatively small works such as such as house building, extensions, renovation works, and so on. Larger or more complex projects are generally undertaken by 'contractors', although the distinction between the two is not always clear. For more information see: builder v contractor. See also: How to find a contractor.

	Appointing a builder can be a daunting responsibility, particularly for domestic clients who may not have used a builder before. However, it is important that great care is taken to ensure the selection process is thorough. There are several steps that can be taken to find the most appropriate builder.		Appointing a builder can be a daunting responsibility, particularly for domestic clients who may not have used a builder before. However, it is important that great care is taken to ensure the selection process is thorough. There are several steps that can be taken to find the most appropriate builder.

Designing Buildings at 12:02, 7 December 2017

2017-12-07T12:02:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:02, 7 December 2017
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	A builder is a tradesperson that can be employed by a client to undertake building works. Typically, the word 'builder' is associated with relatively small works such as such as house building, extensions, renovation works, and so on. Larger or more complex projects are generally undertaken by 'contractors', although the distinction between the two is not always clear. For more information see: builder v contractor.		A builder is a tradesperson that can be employed by a client to undertake building works. Typically, the word 'builder' is associated with relatively small works such as such as house building, extensions, renovation works, and so on. Larger or more complex projects are generally undertaken by 'contractors', although the distinction between the two is not always clear. For more information see: builder v contractor.

−	Appointing a builder can be a daunting responsibility, particularly for domestic clients who may not have ~~had use~~ a builder before. However, it is important that great care is taken to ensure ~~that~~ the selection process is thorough. There are several steps that can be taken to find the most appropriate builder.	+	Appointing a builder can be a daunting responsibility, particularly for domestic clients who may not have used a builder before. However, it is important that great care is taken to ensure the selection process is thorough. There are several steps that can be taken to find the most appropriate builder.

	= Trade body =		= Trade body =

−	Check whether the builder is a member of a recognised ~~trading~~ association, such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or the National Federation of Builders. While membership is not mandatory, it can demonstrate a certain level of reliability and provide a degree of consumer protection. However, it is worth checking with the trading body ~~whether~~ the builder is actually a member, as there have been cases of builders claiming membership fraudulently.	+	Check whether the builder is a member of a recognised trade association, such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or the National Federation of Builders (NFB). While membership is not mandatory, it can demonstrate a certain level of reliability and provide a degree of consumer protection. However, it is worth checking with the trading body that the builder is actually a member, as there have been cases of builders claiming membership fraudulently.

	Builders may also have the government-endorsed ‘TrustMark’ seal of approval which indicates that they meet trading standards.		Builders may also have the government-endorsed ‘TrustMark’ seal of approval which indicates that they meet trading standards.
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	= Recommendations and references =		= Recommendations and references =

−	Getting personal recommendations can ~~be a worthwhile way of identifying~~ a suitable and reliable builder. When asking for recommendations, questions worth asking might relate to the quality of the workmanship, the cost, the length of time it took to complete the work, whether any problems that arose and how they were dealt with, how tidy they were, how busy they are, how long it took for them to start the work and so on.	+	Getting personal recommendations can help identify a suitable and reliable builder. When asking for recommendations, questions worth asking might relate to the quality of the workmanship, the cost, the length of time it took to complete the work, whether any problems that arose and how they were dealt with, how tidy they were, how busy they are, how long it took for them to start the work and so on.

−	It can also be worth asking for recommendations from plumbers, electricians and other ~~tradesman~~ who will have worked ~~closely~~ with different builders during their career. Similarly, architects may be able to recommend builders with expertise suited to the project.	+	It can also be worth asking for recommendations from plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople who will have worked with a number of different builders during their career. Similarly, architects may be able to recommend builders with expertise suited to the project.

−	There are several websites that serve as useful sources for finding builders, offering an indication of their quality through reviews and ratings. Recommendations ~~of builders~~ can also be found on social media, although these should always be balanced with some direct feedback ~~of a builder~~ wherever possible.	+	There are several websites that serve as useful sources for finding builders, offering an indication of their quality through reviews and ratings. Recommendations can also be found on social media, although these should always be balanced with some direct feedback wherever possible.

	= Advertising =		= Advertising =
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	= Interviews =		= Interviews =

−	Once a shortlist has been prepared, it is important to meet prospective builders. Not only will this give an insight into ~~the~~ suitability ~~of the builder~~, it is ~~also~~ a chance for both parties to ask questions. Builders may also be able to suggest alternative ways of carrying out the work.	+	Once a shortlist has been prepared, it is important to meet prospective builders. Not only will this give an insight into their suitability, it is a chance for both parties to ask questions. Builders may also be able to suggest alternative ways of carrying out the work.

	= Quotations =		= Quotations =

−	A clear description of the work, and the form of agreement that will be used should be prepared for the builders to price against. Builders should be asked to itemise their price against the list. This allows the client to identify items that my be expensive, and also allows a detailed comparison between the prices of different contractors, which can help in negotiating the final price that will be paid.	+	A clear description of the work, and the form of agreement that will be used, should be prepared for the builders to price against. Builders should be asked to itemise their price against the list. This allows the client to identify items that my be expensive, and also allows a detailed comparison between the prices of different contractors, which can help in negotiating the final price that will be paid.

	As well as a price, builders might be asked to provide information about:		As well as a price, builders might be asked to provide information about:
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	* Details relating to VAT.		* Details relating to VAT.
	* How building regulations approval will be dealt with.		* How building regulations approval will be dealt with.
−	* ~~Certificate~~ of insurance providing cover against property damage and personal and public liability.	+	* Certificates of insurance providing cover against property damage and personal and public liability.
	* Design proposals if these have been requested.		* Design proposals if these have been requested.

Designing Buildings at 11:57, 7 December 2017

2017-12-07T11:57:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:57, 7 December 2017
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	= Recommendations and references =		= Recommendations and references =

−	Getting personal recommendations can be a worthwhile way of identifying a suitable and reliable builder. ~~Questions that are worth~~ asking ~~of friends~~, ~~family and acquaintances~~ relate to the quality of the workmanship, the ~~costs~~, the length of time it took to complete the work, ~~and~~ whether ~~there were~~ any ~~issues or~~ problems that arose.	+	Getting personal recommendations can be a worthwhile way of identifying a suitable and reliable builder. When asking for recommendations, questions worth asking might relate to the quality of the workmanship, the cost, the length of time it took to complete the work, whether any problems that arose and how they were dealt with, how tidy they were, how busy they are, how long it took for them to start the work and so on.

−	It can also be worth asking for recommendations from plumbers, electricians and other tradesman who will have worked closely with ~~various~~ different builders during their career. Similarly, architects may be able to recommend ~~certain~~ builders with expertise suited to the project ~~at hand~~	+	It can also be worth asking for recommendations from plumbers, electricians and other tradesman who will have worked closely with different builders during their career. Similarly, architects may be able to recommend builders with expertise suited to the project.

−	There are several websites that serve as useful sources for finding builders ~~and~~ offering an indication of their quality through reviews and ratings. Recommendations of builders can also be found on social media, although these should always be balanced with some direct feedback of a builder ~~as well~~ wherever possible.	+	There are several websites that serve as useful sources for finding builders, offering an indication of their quality through reviews and ratings. Recommendations of builders can also be found on social media, although these should always be balanced with some direct feedback of a builder wherever possible.
		+
		+	= Advertising =
		+
		+	A number of forums are now available where clients can post the details of work they require, and builders can then express an interest.
		+
		+	= Interviews =
		+
		+	Once a shortlist has been prepared, it is important to meet prospective builders. Not only will this give an insight into the suitability of the builder, it is also a chance for both parties to ask questions. Builders may also be able to suggest alternative ways of carrying out the work.

	= Quotations =		= Quotations =

−	~~Once a shortlist~~ of ~~builders has been made~~, ~~quotations can be obtained. The job details~~ that ~~are sent~~ should be ~~as thorough as possible to enable~~ the builders to be ~~able~~ to ~~quote accurately~~.	+	A clear description of the work, and the form of agreement that will be used should be prepared for the builders to price against. Builders should be asked to itemise their price against the list. This allows the client to identify items that my be expensive, and also allows a detailed comparison between the prices of different contractors, which can help in negotiating the final price that will be paid.

−	~~Information from~~ builders ~~that is useful at this stage includes~~:	+	As well as a price, builders might be asked to provide information about:

−	* ~~The builder’s relevant~~ experience and qualifications.	+	* Relevant experience and qualifications.
−	* Whether ~~the builder uses~~ sub-contractors.	+	* Whether they use sub-contractors.
−	* ~~Full details of what~~ is covered by the quotation and what is not (i.e. site maintenance, clearance, material supplies, and so on).	+	* What is covered by the quotation and what is not (i.e. site maintenance, clearance, material supplies, and so on).
	* How long the price is guaranteed for.		* How long the price is guaranteed for.
−	* Details relating to VAT ~~(it is generally not recommended to agree a ‘VAT-free’ deal~~.)	+	* Details relating to VAT.
−	* ~~Whether planning permission is required.~~	+	* How building regulations approval will be dealt with.
−	* Whether building regulations approval will ~~need to~~ be ~~applied for~~.	+	* Certificate of insurance providing cover against property damage and personal and public liability.
−	* ~~Whether the builder has the required~~ insurance (cover ~~to protect themselves~~ against property damage and personal and public liability).	+	* Design proposals if these have been requested.

	= Agreement =		= Agreement =

−	Once a builder has been selected, ~~the~~ contract ~~agreement can~~ be drawn up. ~~All the details of the job should~~ be ~~put done in writing, covering~~ the ~~work that is to be done~~, the ~~start and completion dates~~, the ~~security and safety measures, the cost of the work and materials, hours of work, cleaning up, disposal of waste, and so on~~.	+	Once a builder has been selected, a contract should be drawn up. This could be a standard agreement offered by the contractor, or an industry agreement such as the JCT minor works contract, or the RIBA Domestic Building Contract.

−	~~Payment terms~~ should ~~be fully agreed before work begins, whether~~ the ~~builder is to be paid in full at the end or in pre-agreed stages, with a final payment held back until~~ the work ~~is complete and any snags have been rectified. A cash deposit or upfront payment should be avoided if possible, unless specialist building materials are~~ required, or the ~~job is likely to have a long duration~~.	+	The agreement should include the details of the work required, start and completion dates, the price, insurance requirements, penalties for late completion, dispute resolution procedures, responsibility for CDM, retention, and so on. For more information see: Contract conditions.

−	It is ~~often recommended~~ to ~~get an inspector from~~ the ~~local council to check that~~ the work ~~meets~~ building ~~regulations~~	+	Payment terms should be agreed before work begins, whether the builder is to be paid in full at the end or in pre-agreed stages, with a final payment held back until the work is complete and any snags have been rectified. A cash deposit or upfront payment should be avoided if possible, unless specialist building materials have to be purchased, and then ownership of those materials should be vested in the client. For more information see: Vesting certificate for construction goods plant or materials.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =