· 3 min read · By White Buffalo Bespoke
Hiring a builder is one of the biggest decisions in any home project. Whether you are extending, refurbishing a bathroom or renovating a whole house, these ten questions help you compare like with like.
1. Will I get a written, itemised quote?
A good quote lists what is included, so you can see exactly what you are paying for. Vague one-line prices make it very hard to compare builders or to spot what has been left out. Every project we take on gets a clear, itemised quote before work begins.
2. Who will manage the project?
Ask who your day-to-day contact will be and whether they manage all the trades. A builder who coordinates the plumbing, electrics, tiling and everything else saves you from becoming a project manager yourself.
3. Are you fully insured?
Ask to see evidence of public liability insurance, and check what it covers. It protects you if something goes wrong on site.
4. Are the plumbers and electricians qualified?
Gas work should be done by Gas Safe registered engineers, and electrical work by qualified electricians who can provide certification. Ask who will be doing the work, not just who is quoting for it.
5. Who deals with planning and Building Control?
Find out whether the builder will advise on planning permission, submit Building Control notices and arrange inspections, and who provides the final completion certificate. For extensions and conversions this is essential.
6. What is the programme?
You should get an outline of the timescale before work begins, and an explanation of what could change it. Realistic programmes are more useful than optimistic ones.
7. How will payments work?
Staged payments linked to progress are normal. Be cautious about large deposits paid upfront or requests for cash. Agree the schedule in writing.
8. How do you handle changes?
Most projects involve some changes. Ask how they are priced and agreed. Written confirmation of any change and its cost, before it is done, avoids arguments later.
9. Can I see recent work and speak to previous clients?
Look at photos of finished projects, ask about jobs similar to yours and read independent reviews. You can read what our clients say and browse finished projects in our gallery.
10. What happens after the job is finished?
Ask about snagging, guarantees and what to do if something needs attention afterwards. A builder who stands behind the work will be happy to explain.
Red flags to watch for
- a quote that is vague, or far lower than everyone else's
- pressure to sign quickly, or a "today only" price
- no written contract or itemised quote
- reluctance to provide insurance details or references
- asking for cash or a large payment up front
What we do
We take on the whole project, from the first conversation to completion, with one point of contact, a clear, itemised quote before work begins and qualified tradespeople for plumbing and electrics. See how our process works, read the FAQs or ask for a free quote.
