Your handy guide to assessing builders
We’re so excited to be collaborating with Linden Dover of Weaver on this month’s masterclass in the HomeNotes membership. And we’re even more excited to share his wisdom about assessing builders for your build.
This stage of the process can fill many people with trepidation or worry, and it’s not surprising! We’re talking about BIG sums of money (your money!) and having to entrust it to someone you don’t know and possibly never worked with before. Added to that are the horror stories of the cowboy builders that your friends and family are only too keen to share with you! That’s a lot to contend with.
But, fear not. There is so much you can do to ensure your build team is good, efficient and trustworthy with Linden’s handy guide to assessing builders! >>
1. Avoid builders who give out quick quotes
Only once your architect has finished the Technical pack of information containing all the project details are you ready to obtain an accurate quotation during a process that lasts 3-4 weeks.
2. Follow up on references
Always ask for references from clients or, even better, design professionals who have worked with them on similar projects in the past. You want to at least speak on the phone to get a clear idea of their working relationship.
3. Obtain evidence of skills & experience
Ensure that the builder can show evidence of similar construction projects and ask to visit completed projects.
4. Check for enthusiasm
Works that require planning permission or extensive remodelling are going to take months to complete. You are going to be working closely with your builder, so it’s worth meeting the builder (and the project site foreman if possible) to make sure you get on.
5. The cheapest quote
For competitive pricing, we recommend 3-5 quotes. If the price is considerably lower than the average it’s most likely too good to be true; a common tactic is to introduce new costs during the build!
6. Insurances
Ensure correct and up-to-date insurance is in place to recover your costs in a disaster scenario.
7. Recognised contract
Only work with a builder that agrees to a standard form of construction contract. Ask your architect to help choose the most suitable kind (or send us an email!)
Check out Weaver.build for more information about their services and how they can help you with your project.
Our HomeNotes Journal is here to bring you clear and up-to-date information for homeowners renovating their homes. For more in-depth help we provide online courses to help you get started the right way!
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