PPCo Guide: How to build a home extension #5 - finding a builder
Updated for 2021/22
This article is the fifth in our new PPCo Guide: How to build a home extension - a series which will take you step by step through the process of designing, planning and building your extension.
So far, we’ve covered the very initial stage of planning a home extension, the design stage, planning permission and building regulations.
What’s next? Well now you’ve got to find a builder (unless you’re building it yourself - and if you are, you can move on to the next step!).
You may have already put some feelers out or have had a builder in mind since before you started but most builders will not quote unless you have construction drawings to give them. Which is what you now have.
It can be a bit daunting. You’ve heard all the horror stories, right? Cowboy builders. New builds with countless problems. £1,000s added to your bill throughout the build because of “unforeseen issues”.
And at the moment, thanks to Covid and Brexit, build material prices have increased and availability has decreased (read more here).
So how do you find the right builder? We’ve got a few simple steps for hopefully avoiding the bigger issues and finding a builder who’s reliable and local and who respects how much money, time and passion you’re investing.
1. Get recommendations
Nothing beats a recommendation from a friend, colleague or family member who’s had building work done at their own home.
This way, you can find out what their builder was like on site - do they turn up when they say they will? Are they polite and respectful? Did they add on extra costs, and why?
2. Do your research
If nobody you know is able to recommend anybody, or they’re not local enough to you, take a look at the Federation of Master Builder’s (FMB) ‘Find a Builder’ service. Builders registered with the FMB are vetted and inspected when they join, providing credible proof of the quality of their work.
You can also have a look around to see if there is any work going on in your area. Builders usually have promotional signs advertising their services - and their contact details - on site.
Once you find some names and companies, the next step is to make sure they are qualified, experienced and have a proven track record. Look at their website and social media, read their reviews, and talk to their previous customers, if you can. Better still, go and visit those jobs. Any reputable builder will be happy to pass on details of clients you can speak to.
3. Get quotes
At PPCo, we always recommend to our clients that they get quotes from at least three builders.
And remember, don’t just automatically go with the cheapest. You need to know they won’t be cutting corners and that’s why it’s a good idea to have other quotes to compare against.
4. High-quality plans and brief
If you’re working with our team at PPCo on your project, you’ve already won half the battle. We provide you with a full set of detailed, high-quality design plans, construction drawings and a specification for the works, which act as a full brief for the builder to quote and work from.
Once you have your quotes, make sure they include everything specified on your plans, as well as anything else you would like such as the removal of rubbish and things like the type of radiator you’re after. If not, these will only be added on as an extra cost during the build.
5. Contracts
When you’re talking to builders, check they’re going to provide you with a contract that you both sign. If they refuse to give you a contract, it’s a red flag! On the other hand, don’t sign anything you’re not comfortable with.
Once you’ve chosen the builder you’d like to work with, make sure you get that contract signed and your payment terms agreed, whether they will be weekly, stage etc. A request for substantial payment upfront is red flag number two as it can be a sign they are in financial trouble. However, there may be a need for you to fund large items upfront, which your builder can purchase on your behalf - just make sure they do it in YOUR name and not theirs.
We have known builders to request a nominal deposit amount to secure the job and protect both you and them. This is to avoid clients cancelling the job a week out, which does happen. If your builder requests a deposit, use your better judgement: look at how much it is; what their reviews are like; whether previous customers have mentioned it; is the contract sound; and what your gut tells you.
There are so many great builders working across the country - far more good ones than bad ones! So don’t get stressed. Do your research and choose somebody who you feel comfortable with; someone you’d be happy to hand over your keys to.
Coming up…
How to build a home extension #6: finance
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If this is the first article you’ve seen in this guide, why not check out the first instalment here and catch up!).
And no matter what stage you’re at in your project, our team is here to help. If you’re based in the East Midlands and you’d like to book in with our Nottingham team for a free, no obligation design consultation, please give us a call on 0115 874 8570 - or hit the button below.
If you’re not quite ready to get started, or you’re based elsewhere in the UK, please feel free to check out the rest of our Advice Centre - and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for tips and inspiration.