It’s easy to find a builder. But knowing whether a builder is reliable or is the right fit for your project can be tricky. We’ve all heard horror stories about cowboys, so how can you find the right home builders for your needs? We’ve put together the following hints and recommendations to help you choose with confidence.
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Find your builder
Keep the following points in mind when choosing your builder:
Stay local
Using a local builder has several benefits for your project. First and foremost, a local builder has invaluable knowledge of things like planning laws and local trades, which can speed up your entire project.
So start your search by looking for builder’s vans or trade boards in your area. Any builder who’s happy to advertise while they’re working is likely to be more dependable and trustworthy.
If you’re currently searching for home builders in the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire area, get in touch for a quote.
Ask for recommendations
Good home builders rely on word of mouth to build a business, so don’t be afraid to ask friends, family and colleagues for recommendations.
If you’ve recently worked with a local tradesperson you trust, ask them if they know a local builder who’d be suitable for the job. Their recommendations could open up a network of reliable names in your area.
You could also ask your architect for the name of their preferred local builder. Or contact your local building inspector for their recommendations of trustworthy companies in the area.
Beware of ‘too good to be true’ quotes
You should always get a number of quotes for any project. But how can you evaluate each home builder’s estimate and determine whether it’s too good to be true?
Try asking the following questions:
- Is the quote highly detailed with a full breakdown of costs?
- Does it cover all the work you’ve requested?
- Are there separate costs for materials and labour?
- Will there be hidden costs and charges further down the line?
While a high price doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the best job, beware of those bargain basement quotes. You could run into trouble later on in the build process when it’s harder to put things right. Or worse, your builder could simply walk out if the job becomes unprofitable.
How do I know if my home builder is reliable?
Once you’ve shortlisted your recommended builders, it’s time to assess whether they’re suitable for your project.
First, a reliable builder will be happy to share testimonials from delighted customers. If they refuse to let you see their previous work, then alarm bells should start ringing. If you choose to contact previous customers, ask them about their builder’s communication, commitment and punctuality. You should also find out whether they completed the project on time and on budget.
It goes without saying that the builder you choose should have solid expertise in the type of work you require. There’s no point contacting commercial builders when you need home builders with the relevant experience.
Check their website to see what projects they’ve previously completed and are currently working on. This information should tell you whether they’re able to deliver what they promise.
Finally, experience counts. An established builder will be happy to discuss their years in the business, the type of work they undertake and the qualifications and accreditations they hold. In turn, you can hire with confidence.
Contact DJ Reynolds
With over 40 years of experience and a wide variety of projects under our belt, DJ Reynolds is the local builder you can trust. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality builder in the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire area, contact us today for all your renovation and development needs.
