Do you want to avoid getting ripped off by a dodgy builder?
Selecting the wrong builder can ruin the experience of making your dream home a reality.
The worst part?
It happens more than you may think.
Industry body The Federation of Master Builders reports that more than 55% of homeowners who pay for construction work had an unsatisfactory experience with the builder.
The good news?
Homeowners can avoid rogue traders and find reliable new custom home builders who actually deliver quality work by asking the right questions early in the process.
What you’re going to discover:
- Vetting Local Builders is More Important Than Ever
- Key Questions to Ask Before Signing Anything
- Big Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Online Tips To Verify Builder Credentials
Vetting Local Builders is More Important Than Ever
The construction sector is one of the largest industries in the UK. With over 2 million people working in construction across the country, it sounds like an excellent place to get your building project done.
The problem?
Anyone can claim to be a builder.
The UK government doesn’t have any mandatory licensing scheme for general builders. Contrary to other tradespeople like electricians and gas engineers, builders are not required to prove they have any qualifications before trading to the general public.
It’s a significant problem because it can be hard to identify and differentiate good builders from the bad ones when searching for local builders online.
This means most people falsely assume some form of protection or security, where there is actually none.
Builders need to be vetted and scrutinized as much as possible to avoid dodgy tradespeople.
Working with a reputable builder is the difference between a smooth building project and financial ruin.
The websites of trustworthy builders and rogue traders look almost identical. Another shocking industry survey from FMB and HomeOwners Alliance found that nearly half of UK homeowners were mistaken to believe builders are legally licensed.
Key Questions to Ask Before Signing Anything
Money is the usual sticking point with new builders. It is critical homeowners ask a few key questions before paying any deposits or signing contracts with local builders.
Asking critical questions is how homeowners can separate the honest, experienced tradespeople from the cowboys.
Are You Properly Insured?
Let’s start with the most important question of them all.
Any builder worth their salt is going to have public liability insurance as a minimum. This is a no-brainer because it protects homeowners if any unfortunate incidents occur during the building project.
Specific questions include:
- Public liability insurance certificate
- Employers’ liability insurance (if they employ staff)
- Professional indemnity insurance for design and build work
Don’t just take their word for it. Demand to see copies of the certificates and check they are all current and valid.
Can You Provide Written References?
Talk is cheap. Legitimate builders have a history of past customers who are only too happy to sing their praises.
Ask for a minimum of three references from previous clients with similar building projects to the proposed works.
Take the time to call the previous clients and ask:
- Did the builder honour the quoted price?
- Was the project finished on time?
- How did they resolve unforeseen issues?
- Would you hire the builder again?
A hesitant or vague response is a massive red flag waving in the wind.
What’s Included In Your Quote?
Ambiguous quotes leave room for nasty surprises. The quote should detail precisely what is and isn’t included.
This means everything. Materials, labour, skip hire, building control fees…everything.
Get it all in writing before a single brick is laid. A professional builder will be more than happy to provide a detailed, itemised quote. Shady builders prefer ambiguity and vagueness.
Do You Belong To A Trade Association?
Trade association membership isn’t compulsory. However, it does indicate a builder has a reputation to uphold.
Trade associations such as The Federation of Master Builders vet their members and hold them to a higher standard. Membership isn’t a mark of infallibility, but it does provide an extra layer of accountability.
How Will Payments Be Structured?
Don’t pay the full amount up front. Period.
A fair payment schedule is tied to project milestones. Deposit on signing, then stage payments as each project stage is completed.
Big Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some warning signs are more obvious than others. Either way, it’s important to know what to look out for.
Big warning signs to be aware of include:
- Knocking on your door offering unsolicited work
- Pressuring for an immediate decision
- Asking for cash payments
- No physical address or landline telephone number
- Reluctance to provide anything in writing
- Offering a quote that is significantly lower than the rest
That last point catches a lot of people out. If a builder’s quote looks too good to be true… rest assured, it is.
The cheapest price becomes the most expensive if the work has to be redone.
Online Tips To Verify Builder Credentials
The internet provides a great resource for double-checking potential builders.
Begin with Companies House. Type in the company name and check how long they have been trading. Start-ups aren’t automatically dodgy, but established businesses with a good track record are more trustworthy.
Check online reviews carefully. Search Google, Trustpilot, and trade-specific review sites. Look at how the builder responds to negative reviews. How they reply is often more telling than the actual review itself.
Verify trade association membership. Don’t just believe a logo plastered on their website. Visit the trade association’s website and check their member directory.
Search for news stories. A quick online search for the company name and words like “complaints” or “rogue builder” can find news stories missed by reviews.
Putting It All Together
Hiring a builder is a significant investment for the average homeowner. Cutting corners when vetting builders can have disastrous consequences.
The questions listed in this article aren’t designed to make homeowners difficult or over-cautious. They are simple steps to protect what is for many people the single most important investment they will ever make… their home.
Legitimate builders expect these types of questions. In fact, they welcome them because it means the homeowner is taking the process seriously.
Asking critical questions and doing the proper due diligence online is how homeowners can drastically reduce their chances of being ripped off by rogue builders.
The right builder is out there. Finding them only requires a little bit of work upfront.