Appointing a builder is a significant decision. A little preparation makes it easier to compare proposals and understand what each contractor has allowed for.
1. Start with a written brief
Describe the property, the work, the outcome you want, your timing and any constraints. Attach plans, photos, specifications and available approvals. Tell bidders whether the property will be occupied.
2. Check relevant experience
Ask for examples of similar projects and speak to recent clients. Confirm who will manage the work day to day, how often the site will be supervised and how progress will be reported.
3. Compare scope, not only price
Check preparation, materials, workmanship, waste removal, protection, access, provisional sums, exclusions and VAT treatment. Ensure each bidder is pricing the same information, or identify every difference.
4. Agree the programme and payment stages
Ask for a realistic programme with dependencies, decision dates and milestone descriptions. Payment terms should be clear, proportionate to completed work and recorded in the signed agreement.
5. Confirm responsibilities and paperwork
For the particular project, check applicable registrations, insurance, design and engineering responsibilities, approvals, health and safety obligations, warranties and close-out documents with the relevant authorities and professionals.
6. Agree how changes will be handled
Record who can approve variations, how they will be priced and how time or cost effects will be agreed before extra work proceeds.
Questions to ask a prospective builder
- Have you completed comparable work recently, and may I speak to those clients?
- Who will supervise the site and be my day-to-day contact?
- What is excluded from your quotation?
- How will unforeseen conditions and variations be managed?
- What are the payment stages and expected programme?
- What registrations, insurance and close-out documents apply to this job?
For independent technical, legal or regulatory advice, consult the appropriate qualified professional or authority for your project.