A home extension or renovation project should be an exciting and rewarding process. Choosing the right building contractor is a critical part of this and a very important decision that will impact the success and quality of the project overall. Even for the smallest of schemes, the client and contractor will generally be working with each other for many weeks, if not months…so getting this choice right is absolutely imperative!
Here are some useful tips to help you choose the right builder for your home extension or house renovation:
Do Your Research
Before you choose a building contractor, it's important to do your research. Start by asking for recommendations from friends, family or colleagues who have had similar work done in the past. Look for local builders who have experience or specialise in the particular type of work you’re having done.
Although not an essential requirement, look for contractors that are registered with a trade organisation like the Federation of Master Builders or the National House Building Council. Always check the company’s reviews online and request to see their portfolio of previous and current work.
Check for Insurance and Credentials
It's crucial to ensure that any building contractor you're considering has all the necessary insurance and credentials in place to protect your investment. Ask to see hard copies of their current public liability, employer's liability and builders all risk insurance polices. Make sure they are in date and cover the entire contract period. Research the contractor's track record with past works and ask them for full disclosure about any past complaints, legal issues or insurance claims. A competent and trustworthy contractor will be happy to provide you with such information.
Get Multiple Quotes
Once you've found a few contractors that meet your criteria, ask them to provide you with a detailed quote for the work you want to be completed. It is always best to draft a detailed schedule of work and specification for the contractors to price against so that you can compare each tender submission on a like-for-like basis. It's important to get multiple quotes and compare them line-by-line to enable you to make an informed decision without compromising on quality. Remember the lowest quote may not always be the best one, so be wary of any estimate that seems significantly lower than the others.
Ask for References
It's important to ask for references, especially for jobs similar to your proposed project. A good building contractor will always be willing to provide you with references from past clients. Make an effort to follow up with each of these references to see how they feel about the quality of the work and the contractor’s professionalism. Talking to past clients will give you the best idea of what to expect during the project.
We would also advise visiting the contractor on one of their current sites so that you can see first-hand how they work, how clean they are and to view their standard of work.
Communication is Key
The success of any project is built on communication and everyone should be on the same page throughout. The right contractor should be willing to work with you and keep you informed on the progress of the project. Make sure you're clear about your expectations for the project and ask the contractor how they will achieve this and communicate with you. Misunderstandings during construction can be costly, so it's important to have clear and open lines of communication with your contractor. Always ensure that the contractor understand your preferred mode of communication and how frequent you expect updates.
In conclusion, choosing the right building contractor for your house extension is crucial to the success of your project. Always do your research, check for credentials and references before making a final decision. Communicate your expectations in clear terms and be involved throughout the process. Choosing the right contractor may take time and effort, but it will pay off in the long run with a quality addition to your home, completed with the minimum of stress.
Can We Help You?
By working with a design and build company such as Austen Dawson, homeowners will benefit from working with an experienced, knowledgeable and professional team who have worked solely in the house extension and home renovation sector for many years. We always provide comprehensive and detailed estimates, are happy to provide numerous references upon request and carry all relevant insurance policies for your added peace of mind.
If you are considering a construction project in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire or Oxfordshire, working with a design and build company like Austen Dawson can make the process more efficient, enjoyable and ultimately successful.
Please get in touch if we can help you realise your property vision by completing the form below, we look forward to hearing from you!