Published 10 September 2025
How to find a builder
Searching for a builder to work on your house can be a stressful experience, so we've gathered some advice to help you choose and hire a builder for your home repairs and renovations.
- Where can I find recommended builders?
- What kind of checks should I carry out?
- What's good practice when it comes to paying your builder?
Finding a builder: Do your homework and get recommendations
Before you talk to builders about your project, it's a good idea to do some research. Recommendations and a variety of quotes can be really helpful to find the correct builder for the job.
- Ask neighbours, friends and family to suggest builders who have done some work for them before.
- Check out websites that help you find builders and read reviews from people who have used them for home repairs.
- Talk to a builder or tradesperson you've hired before, even if they don't do the work required, they may know someone who does.
- Get quotes from several builders so you can compare and get an idea of costs.
What to do before hiring a builder?
- Is the work guaranteed? Find out if the builder offers a guarantee or if there's an insurance-backed warranty.
- Can they complete the work you need doing? Write down details of the work you need, including drawings for planning and building approval. Send a complete set to each builder you ask for a quote.
- Do the quotes cover everything? Make sure the builder's quotes include all the work you want, like supplying materials, removing rubbish, and fixing up things afterward. The quote should be properly written out.
- Do they have insurance? Check the builder has the correct public liability insurance for the work at your home.
- Do they have contact details? Check the builder has an office or a home address and a phone number.
- Consider a contract for big jobs. For work that costs over £25,000, think about using a JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) contract which outlines the work and price and can help if you and the builder have a disagreement.
- Inform your insurer. Let your home insurance provider know about the building work before it starts, as it could affect any claims.
Paying for the work
Talking about payment can be uncomfortable but it's important to be clear about expectations. Here are some tips for arranging payments with your builder:
- Deposits: You might need to pay for a deposit for custom made materials or projects that take a long time.
- Avoid upfront payments: Don't pay for labour costs before the work is finished. You'll be expected to pay for materials beforehand though.
- Agree on payments: Decide on stage and final payments before the work begins.
- Pay on time: If you're satisfied with work, pay promptly at each stage.
- Check VAT: If VAT is charged, make sure there's a VAT number provided.
It's always best to listen to recommendations. Agree on staged payments and make sure the insurance paperwork stacks up.
