Builders can be called on for all kinds of reasons -- some help construct new houses, some build extensions and make improvements to a home and some will be hired to complete various kinds of repairs, for both big and small projects. It is important to find an ethical, reliable and first-rate builder to do the work. The project to be completed may represent a large investment in a home, so take some time to do research before making a choice of builder. Even a small project needs a good builder to make sure the job is done right.

How to Find a Builder
In general terms a builder may be chosen based on the type of building project to be completed. Projects range from remodelling bathrooms and kitchens to adding shelves to building an extension on to the house. First of all, ask for referrals to �good builders� from family and friends -- this will help find proven and reliable builders. Other good sources of information are directories like Yellow Pages or an online trade directory, which lists local builders -- these sources will list builders and their services but won�t give any real indication of the quality of their work or expertise. Alternatively, the National Federation of Builders should have a local office that can help source a good builder.

Having built up a list of potentially suitable builders then call them all and ask if they can work on the kind of project to be completed. If they can, ask the following questions:
  • Are they registered with the National Association of Home Builders or NHIAS?
  • Are they members of any other recognised, reputable Trade Association or Professional Group?
If the builder answers YES to these two questions, call the relevant Trade Association or Professional Group and check on the builder�s membership -- some bodies and groups will allow you to do this online. Ask about the qualifications of the builder -- this is also a good time to ask questions about technical issues or for general project advice.

How to Choose a High Quality Builder
Find out about the builder�s experience and how long he/she has been in business. A poor builder doesn�t last long in the business. An excellent prospect may be a builder that has been in business, locally, for 20 or more years.

A high quality builder has certain specific qualities. He/she is a good manager of the people he/she employs. The team here may construct high quality houses, extensions or projects and/or complete reliable repairs. The builder is ethical, arrives on time and completes projects on time (or nearly anyway). A high quality builder listens carefully to the needs of a project and works with the customer to plan the work and solve problems. He/she is honest and fair.

Always ASK FOR REFERENCES AND CHECK THEM OUT before hiring a builder. Investigate at least three or four references for each builder -- these should be from customers who have used the builder for similar projects to the one to be completed here. Don�t just phone -- ask to visit the referee�s home to see the work that was done.

Discuss the builder's honesty, patience, reliability, listening and problem-solving skills. Be sure to do this when the builder is not present.

Questions to ask include:
  • Did the project run smoothly? If not, what went wrong and how were problems handled?
  • Did the job finish on schedule? If not, why not?
  • Were cost estimates accurate? If they weren�t, where did costs rise and why?
  • Was the builder helpful in solving problems? What problems did he/she solve and how?
  • Did the builder make helpful suggestions? Were his/her explanations clear? Did he/she suggest ways to save on costs?
  • Was the builder frequently present on the job site? Was he/she present daily, or often enough to make sure the work was done correctly?
  • Have there been any major problems with the project since its completion? If there has been a problem, did the builder answer calls promptly and solve the problem?
When viewing a referee�s completed project, look out for the following:
  • Doors and windows that open easily and close tightly.
  • Drawers that slide open and shut smoothly.
  • Wood laminates (on doors or worktops) that are securely glued down.
  • Floor tiles that are securely attached to the floor.
  • Worktops that are level
  • Outdoor brick and wood that is made to be used outdoors, in all kinds of weather.
  • Roof tiles that lay flat. Are any tiles missing? Are there any stains or discolouration on the indoor ceilings or walls as a sign of possible leaks?
  • Windows that are correctly insulated
  • Attic that is correctly insulated
  • Walls that are straight -- look at flooring as tiles and other flooring can show if walls are crooked. If the tile is narrower at one end of a room than the other, the wall may be crooked. Are wall corners 90 degree angles? Are there any cracks?
  • Are stairs too steep or tilted? Do they creak?
  • Is the power system adequate for the house? Lights should not dim when an appliance or the boiler is turned on.
  • Are there enough electrical outlets and telephone sockets?
  • Check cupboards to see how the paint looks on the inside.
  • Do relevant fixtures and appliances work properly?
After Choosing a Builder
Having chosen the right builder for the project in hand, make sure that the following issues are covered:
  • Get a detailed, written specification of the work to be done including total costs.
  • Make sure the estimate covers everything, including materials, parts, labour, removal of rubbish, and 'making good' after the work is completed.
  • Find out how payments will be made. Don�t pay in full up front -- but pay when the job is done or -- for larger projects -- pay in instalments, as parts of the project are completed satisfactorily.
  • Get a guarantee in writing.
  • Make sure the builder has adequate public liability insurance.
Following this advice will make it easier to find a reputable, trustworthy and excellent builder to complete a building project -- big or small.
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13 August 2008
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