ON THE TOOLS: PART 4
How to choose the right builder
Employing the right contractor is key to the success of your project. Master builder Andy Stevens explains what to consider first
by Andy Stevens
Just like all industries, there’s good and bad builders. Sadly, this country’s media loves to highlight the bad ones, but in my experience there are plenty more good than bad. You won’t meet a better bunch than the amazing men and women in the construction industry, who go far beyond what is required of them, finishing jobs for nothing when clients run out of money, doing charity work, and helping out in countless other small ways. However, saying a builder is good is not the same as saying they’re right for your job. This article is about finding a builder who is a good fit for your project.
by Andy Stevens
ILLUSTRATIONS: SARAH OVERS / GETTY IMAGES
Whether you’re undertaking a small job like a bathroom refurb or a complete demolition and new build, it is vital you get the right builder. If you’re updating your kitchen or landscaping your garden, there is no point in getting in a huge firm specialising in new builds. On the flipside, if your plans are ambitious then you’ll want to look further than a local bricklayer who has only built a few extensions.
If your plans are ambitious then you’ll want to look further than a local bricklayer
The recommendations of immediate neighbours, friends and family who have had similar work done are an excellent first point of call. Word of mouth is still by far the most common route by which builders and trades obtain new work. If you don’t know anyone locally, there are many online offerings, some of which are listed at the end of this article. Alternatively, have a walk around locally to see what work is going on and get some numbers from site boards. Knock on people’s doors and ask about their builder and their team. They will usually be happy to talk to you.