How to choose a builder

Looking to get some work done? Don’t know who to turn to? If you are looking in the yellow pages to find your builder then there are a few things that you need to consider very carefully when deciding between firms. But more on that later, first a quick look at that builder whom your friend from work recommended.

The silver rule of picking a tradesman is to go with a recommendation. This is sound advice but perhaps not quite as simple as it might seem. Very few people bother to follow the golden rule, which is to get three separate quotes. So when they get their man in to do the job, they have no idea if the price is reasonable. Most builders will do a good job for a high price, they only bodge it when there is no money in it. The customer then recommends their man to everybody, with no idea what the alternatives are. Some people like their builders so much on a personal level they will speak highly of them, even though their work may have been substandard. And don’t forget, people have different expectations of the work. Thus a recommendation on its own is not enough to get you the quality tradesman you deserve.

So back to the yellow pages. You will need to phone more than three because a proportion won’t turn up, and of those that do show, some won’t bother to get back to you with a quote. This is an easy way to narrow down the choices. Don’t waste time on builders who don’t show, move on. But do remember that builders hate quoting and are unlikely to do it very quickly. They will never give you a price on the spot, and it would be inappropriate to ask.

By now you will have met your three prospective builders and got their quotes back. There are a few criteria to look at from the outset. Pay attention to their presentation. Professional letterheads on the quote, a decent vehicle and appropriate personal appearance (don’t expect a suit, don’t accept muddy boots) all say something about the calibre of the man. It is important how you communicate with your builder so see if you develop a natural rapport. It is hard to tell the swindler from the genuine guy so don’t solely pick the builder that you like the most.

The ace up your sleeve is to ask to see some of the previous work the builder has done. This is quite an inconvenience to all parties, and the previous customers who will be letting you into their home, so save it for big jobs. By viewing previous work you will learn two things. Firstly, the standard of the finish. Try and ignore stylistic elements that you dislike and focus on the detail and quality. Second, and most important, pay attention to the chemistry between the previous client and the builder. The fact that they are allowed back is something of a clue, but the degree of friendliness and mutual backslapping will show just how pleased the client was. If you find a builder who has keys to a property (and he has not nicked them) and shows you around on his own then you are onto a winner as this demonstrates a high degree of trust.

To find a good builder when you don’t know one is going to require a lot of effort on your behalf. Most people don’t bother, and then complain about the poor chap they do end up with. To avoid this, follow the advice, use your common sense and trust your instincts.