Bishop Ltd – Gaining Clarity and Confidence in Your Builder

Planning construction works for your home is a big deal. It is also a very expensive deal! Using the help of your architect, you will have decided upon your specific requirements, drafted your plans, obtained planning permission (as required) and set your budget for your build. It then comes to the time to search for the best-experienced builder you can afford to undertake your work. But what should you clarify with your builder to ensure for a smooth experience?

Before you decide to hire a builder, arrange a meeting and ask them to talk you through any doubts and concerns you may have.

Here are a few questions you could ask your builder for further clarification:

1.    Are you insured? -

Make sure the insurance covers the value of the works being undertaken. Lower insurance may not cover liability or compensation if something goes wrong on site.

2.    How much experience do you have?

If you are choosing from a list of contractors this question will help to determine how professional your builder is. Ask how many times they have undertaken work the same as yours. The more experience they have the better they will be at overcoming obstacles and providing you with a great finish. Ask to see recent projects, visit them and speak to the homeowners where possible.

3.    Will you get regular updates on the construction process?

You have the right to be informed about the construction process on a regular basis. Therefore, ask your builder in advance to keep you updated during the construction.

4.    Does your builder have any special accreditations?

Builders can prove their experience and ability further by obtaining various accreditations to certify their competency in certain areas of work.

5.    Does the builder provide a guarantee for the work?

If your builder provides a guarantee for the work and has not performed well, resulting in poor workmanship, then he will be liable to correct the issue without you paying any extra money. A guarantee will provide you the protection you need in such instances.

6.    Will he ensure the site is secured each an evening to prevent accidents?

For health and safety reasons it is imperative that a site is secured after each working day. Make sure you speak to your builder about this before hiring.

7.    Will you get your estimated quote in writing?

A competent builder will be able to provide you with an estimate of costs for your works before starting. Make sure a breakdown is also included setting out exactly what will, and will not, be covered in the price, and the quote is provided in writing. Any queries or additional charges at a later date can be clarified more easily.

8.    What are your builder's payment terms?

No one should pay the full amount of a construction upfront! You could pay a smaller upfront fee, to show your commitment and allow for materials to be purchased to start the job, and schedule the payments in line with a step by step completion plan of the building project, e.g. second payment on completion of the groundwork. Etc.

9.    Does he provide any compensation for severe delays?

As we know, outdoor building works are weather dependent but if there are severe delays to your project due to your builders not turning up or for any other good reason you should be compensated for your inconvenience if your project is unreasonably delayed. Competent builders will have a very good idea as to how long a project will take so there should not be any major delays from the set completion date. Ask your builder to provide this in writing.

As the client, it is your right to receive clarity on your construction process. It is also your responsibility to ensure you have asked all the right questions and received the answers in writing. Do not be afraid to ask your builder as many questions as you want, it will give you security and peace of mind that your project will run smoothly.

Bishop Ltd is devoted to helping their clients in, and surrounding areas too, Loughton Essex and Aylesford Kent to build or improve their homes. We excel in all areas of building works, including, complete renovations, extensions, building garages, outbuildings and the construction of beautiful brand new homes! All day to day works are fully managed on site, but a turkey management service is also available for those wanting a complete hands-off build service. Where required, we can provide a complete design and build package, our experienced architects will draft your plans and even help with planning submissions. We are also very careful about the protection of our workforce, and the environment, whilst meeting the planned requirements and deadlines of our customers.