How to build a home extension #5: Finding a builder

So, you’ve got your architectural plans, your planning permission and building control approval. You’re good to go.

But you’ve now got to find a builder. That home extension’s not going to build itself, right? (You may be embarking on a self-build project, and if so, hats off to you! But it’s still not going to build itself - unfortunately.)

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 technical plans 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”.

We’ve heard them all too. And that’s why we have a few simple steps we recommend you follow to find the right builder and hopefully avoid any issues; one that’s reliable and local; one that will respect how much money, time and passion you’ll be investing.

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?

Do your research

If nobody you know is able to recommend anybody, or they’re not local enough to you, take a look at sites such as MyBuilder and Checkatrade, which allow you to post a job and receive quotes from interested tradespeople. You can also use Federation of Master Builder’s (FMB) ‘Find a Builder’ service to find local builders’ contact details. 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.

Plus, just like we advised in our first blog in this series, where we suggested simply typing ‘local architect’ or 'Nottingham architectural designer’ into your search engine, Google is your friend again here. Just type in ‘Markfield builder’, for example and go from there.

Once you find some names, 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.

Get quotes

At PPCo, we always recommend to our clients that they get quotes from at least three builders. We work with a select number of local builders across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, and will always get at least one quote to start our clients off. It is ultimately their - and your - decision, though, and it’s important that you do your own research and asking around.

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.

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 plans and a specification for the works, which act as a full brief for the builder to quote and work from. This ensures you get exactly what you need and want.

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. We’re happy to provide guidance and go through your quotes with you so if you’re at this point and would like some help, please feel free to give our team a call on 0115 8748570.

It’s also worth checking that 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! But, at the same time, do not sign anything you’re not comfortable with.

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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 - cowboy clients are just as common as cowboy builders, if not more so! 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. Again, if you’d like to chat through any concerns you have, please do not hesitate to contact our team. Although we cannot speak for any builder, or advise on a contractual agreement, we do have lots of experience in this industry and can provide you with some context.

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.

In the next instalment of this series, we're going to move on to financing your extension. You’ve got to pay that builder you’ve found somehow! Stay tuned…