Reference Checks

Whichever method you have used to find a builder/contractor, it is advisable to satisfy yourself that he is capable of carrying out the works to the standards that you expect and that he is in a position to finance the initial stages of the work. If the contractor has not come via recommendation, ask him if he has any objection to showing you projects of a similar size which he has carried out.

You could ask the builder/contractor for written references from satisfied customers and for contact numbers for taking up references from other sources, such as suppliers.

In addition, there are agencies that you can contact to carry out credit checks, which you may decide to use if you feel that your chosen builder may not be in a position to finance the initial stages of the project. Your bank may be able to advise you on the best course of action in this regard.

One thing to bear in mind when carrying out reference checks is that if you do not find out anything about your choice of builder/contractor, and the project did get into difficulties which subsequently meant that the builder/contractor was unable to complete the project, the next builder would be likely to charge more than the going rate to take over, and would be justified in doing so.

This is due to the fact that he will need to inspect the work that has been carried out, to ensure that all of the material installed complies with the building regulations and conforms to health and safety requirements.

Depending on the nature and reason for the change of builder/contractor, the new contractor may have to remove works that have not been installed to the correct standard. This may have obvious additional financial consequences. He may even have to interrupt his scheduled work or employ labour at short notice from agencies, which would also incur additional costs.

Portfolios Of Work Completed

Builders/contractors with a comprehensive photographic portfolio are generally client-orientated and only too willing to help with design input to finishes. If you are not very good with interior design, remember that builders/contractors by the very nature of their work are constantly working on other people’s property and may be able to offer good ideas and advice.

In fact, this is also a good opportunity to ask to see some samples of work that the builder/contractor has carried out for other clients. Go to see the work itself most people would not object to this, particularly if the project was satisfactorily completed within time and budget.

Note: Most building projects rarely finish on time and budget. However, there are usually justifiable reasons for this, which is where good project management and record keeping is the key to successfully completed projects.

Inspecting The Company Set-Up

It is worth taking the time and effort to visit the prospective builder/contractor’s office set-up as this will give you some idea of his professionalism. If you find that his office and yard are messy, this may indicate how he operates on site – it would be fair to say that people whose own office, yard or home are very tidy and organised would be more inclined to operate on site in a similar fashion.

You will find that by taking the time to carry out these checks, you will get an understanding of the contractor’s capabilities. This will help in your decision-making when you come to choose who to carry out the work.

Establishing Insurance Cover

Most reputable builders/contractors will have adequate insurance cover. However, it is important that they confirm to you that they do so.

The types of insurance cover that the builder/contractor should have are:

• employer’s liability – this is a good indication of responsibility;
• public liability – it is advisable to insist on this;
• contracts works cover – this is a must.