HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT TRADESPEOPLE AND CONTRACTORS FOR YOUR SELF-BUILD

When it comes to a self-build home, finding reliable and skilled contractors and tradespeople is crucial for peace of mind and overall success. Whether you need a skilled builder, plumbers, roofers, electricians, or plasterers, sourcing the right professionals can make or break your project but a few simple steps and some research will ensure you put your best foot first when choosing a great team for your next self-build project.

Trusted Sources for Builders

The National Federation of Builders and TrustMark are excellent resources for finding trustworthy builders. The ‘Find A Builder’ search by the National Federation of Builders allows you to contact vetted builders and contract members. TrustMark, a government-endorsed scheme, ensures tradespeople provide top-notch service and technical competence. Both organisations conduct rigorous checks, providing you with peace of mind.

Conduct Thorough Research

Before making any decisions, thorough research is essential. You want to find tradespeople with the right skills and approach for your project. Personal recommendations are invaluable, so reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and even your architect for suggestions. Engage with local self-build or building communities on social media platforms to connect with builders and other contractors for advice on who to contact.

Ask Questions for Clarity

Never shy away from asking questions. Transparency and honesty are crucial in any working relationship. Inquire about the tradesperson or contractor’s experience and how long they’ve been in the trade, who they prefer to work with, what aspects of the project they can undertake etc.. Be sure to provide a builder or contractor with a clear project brief so they have a comprehensive understanding of your vision, requirements, and expectations. This ensures accurate pricing estimates and timelines, minimising the likelihood of any misunderstandings or surprises down the line. So, take the time to articulate your needs and preferences clearly—it’s a foundational step towards a successful and smooth construction process.

Check Credentials and Licenses

Verify the authenticity of their credentials and licenses. For instance, boiler engineers must be Gas Safe registered but builders on the other hand need not be licensed or certificated but being members of the National Federation of Builders or TrustMark gives clients more peace of mind. There have been cases of fraudulent claims of membership in trade associations, so make sure to confirm their status. Additionally, ask for references and if possible, get in touch with previous customers to gauge satisfaction with their work.

DON’T FORGET to always inquire about insurance coverage. Builders should have property damage cover and personal and public liability insurance. This protects both parties in case of accidents or injuries. It’s a critical step in safeguarding your project.

Compare Quotes Wisely

Gather multiple quotes for comparison before making any commitments. Ensure you have a budget in mind and confirm what is included in each quote. Be cautious of professionals who tie their fees to a percentage of the construction cost. Negotiating a fixed fee can often be more beneficial. The Chartered Institute of Building can offer local contacts for this purpose.

Emphasise Written Agreements

Everything you agree upon should be documented to safeguard your interests. A comprehensive contract should outline start and completion dates, security measures, material costs, work hours, waste disposal, toilet arrangements, and payment terms. Leave no room for ambiguity!

 

Get Your Self-Build Costs Estimated!

Building Estimates UK: Streamlining the Costing Process

 

Before searching for the perfect self-build contractor, get your self-build costs estimated by a professional construction cost estimator in a few simple steps. At Build Estimating, we’re your dedicated building estimating specialists, ensuring your project starts on the right financial footing.

Step 1:

Fill in our form, and send it to us along with any relevant information regarding the project. Make sure you send floor plans and any other plan documents you have, with drawings in .pdf format.

Step 2:

The first thing we will do is provide you with your quote for estimation. You can take a look at our typical pricing here. At this stage, we will also ask you any additional questions that we have. This is to ensure that our quote is as accurate as possible. At this stage, we will also check your profit margin and ask you if you would like your branding on the final documents. All communication is typically done over email, but we are more than happy to do this over the phone if you need it.

Step 3:

Once you have agreed to our quote, we will invoice you for the full amount. The payments should be PayPal, BACS and cheques, but please be aware that cheques must clear before any estimate can be provided.

Step 4:

You’ve done your part already. Now it’s our turn. Our expert team will use our data to provide you with a detailed building estimation and costing. Remember this will take 2-3 days for a small project, or 5-7for a larger project or complete build. During this time, feel free to contact us with any questions, additions or alterations you might have. We are a very friendly and knowledgeable team, and there’s no question too small.

That’s all there is to it; the process is designed to be easy and stress-free so that you can do your bit quickly and then leave us to get on with it. Our typical turnaround from the initial form to your complete estimate is less than 10 days, no matter what the job. We serve a huge number of clients across the UK every year, but we pride ourselves on punctuality.

 

Ready to Self-Build?

Before searching for the perfect self-build contractor, get your self-build costs estimated by a professional construction estimator. This crucial step, performed by our expert building estimating company, ensures you have accurate financial insights for your project. Trust Build Estimating for precise building estimates in the UK.

Simply upload your plans to Build Estimating.