Hiring a builder is a big decision. Whether you’re planning an extension, renovating your home, or building from scratch, choosing the right builder is the first step to guaranteeing your project runs smoothly. But how do you know you’re picking the right one? Asking the right questions is vital before signing anything. Let us guide you through the most important things to ask a builder before signing a contract to avoid problems later.
This is a must-ask question. You want to know if your builder has tackled projects like yours before. It is not just about how many years they have been in the business. It is about the kind of jobs they have done. If they have worked on homes similar to yours, they are more likely to be prepared for any challenges that might come up. Ask to see examples of their previous work, and if possible, speak to past clients. Getting a feel for how well the builder delivers is always good.
Every builder should have insurance. Full stop. Public liability insurance protects against damage to your property or injury while they are working on your project. But it does not stop there. Ask if they have employer’s liability insurance too. This covers their workers in case of accidents on site. Without this, you could be liable for damages. Do not be shy about asking for proof. It is your home on the line.
Understanding how and when payments will be made is paramount to managing your budget. A reputable builder will not ask for the full payment upfront. Most will break the cost down into stages, with payments due as different parts of the project are completed. Always ask for this in writing so you know exactly what to expect. It helps avoid surprises and keeps the builder accountable to the project timeline.
Not all quotes are created equal. When a builder gives you a quote, you must know what is included. Ask for a breakdown of all costs so you don’t get a nasty surprise or hidden fees. Some builders include materials in their quote, while others do not. Make sure it covers everything from labour to materials and even waste removal. If it is not clear, ask for clarification before signing anything. You do not want extra costs creeping in halfway through the project.
You need to know who will actually be doing the work. Sometimes the person you meet and agree to the contract is not doing the job. Will the builder be bringing in subcontractors? If so, are they insured and qualified? Make sure you know who is responsible for what and who will be there daily. This can prevent confusion and make communication much easier as the project progresses.
Builders should provide an estimated timeline for your project. While unexpected delays can happen, such as weather or supply issues, your builder should give you a realistic timeframe. Be sure to ask what happens if the work overruns. Will there be extra charges? A clear idea of the timeline will help you plan and manage expectations.
A good builder will offer a guarantee on their work. This shows they have confidence in the quality of what they are delivering. Ask how long the guarantee lasts, and what it covers. Does it cover both materials and labour? Knowing your project is backed by a guarantee can give you peace of mind that any issues will be dealt with swiftly and without additional cost to you.
Building projects rarely go as precisely as planned. Sometimes changes are necessary, whether due to unexpected structural issues or personal preferences. Ask your builder how they handle changes during the project. Will you receive an updated quote? Will they consult you before making decisions that affect costs or timelines? You must always be in the loop, so make sure communication is clear, and changes are agreed in writing.
This is one of the best ways to judge the quality of a builder’s work. By visiting a current project, you can see how they operate in real-time. Look at how tidy the site is, how organised the team appears, and how they communicate with clients. If a builder refuses to let you visit a site, that should raise a red flag. A good builder will be proud of their work and willing to show you.
No one likes to think about things going wrong, but it is essential to know how a builder deals with problems. Ask them how they handle disputes. Is there a process in place? Will they offer a solution if you are unhappy with the work? Make sure this is clearly outlined in the contract. It is better to have a plan in place upfront than to be caught off guard if issues arise.
Hiring a builder is a big commitment, and asking the right questions will help you choose wisely. Do not be afraid to dig deep and get clear answers. The more you know, the better prepared you will be. Trust is everything in these projects, and the right builder will appreciate you taking the time to ensure they are the right fit for the job.
When it comes to your home, there is no room for doubt. Ask the important questions, get the answers in writing, and make sure you feel confident before signing that contract.
Richard Green is the director and founder of Libra Construction, with over 40 years of experience in the building sector. As the heart and soul of the company, Richard leads with boundless energy and passion, making him not only an outstanding leader but also an inspirational figure for everyone around him.
Richard and the contract managements team will be more than delighted to answer the ten questions we advise everyone ask a builder before signing a contract, plus any other questions you may have. There is no such thing as a silly question, and we always take the time to answer your queries in a clear and transparent way.
By asking about the payment schedule and what is included in the quote, you can avoid unexpected costs and manage your budget effectively.
Asking about the builder’s experience and seeing their previous work helps you choose someone who delivers high-quality results.
Asking who will be on-site every day ensures you know who is responsible for each part of the project and who to contact with any issues.
Discussing the builder’s insurance and guarantees helps you ensure you are covered in case of damage or faults, protecting your home and finances.
Asking detailed questions before signing the contract ensures you feel comfortable with your choice and confident that the project is in good hands.
Contact us through this link. We will answer any initial basic queries you may have over the phone, and if you are satisfied that we could be the right company for you, we will arrange a time to visit you.
Once at your home, we will discuss your project and goals in depth and answer any questions you have.
You will receive a detailed quote from us, with a comprehensive breakdown of costs, including materials, labour, and any equipment needed. Each aspect of the job will be listed separately with its associated price, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Once you have accepted our quote, will supply you with written details covering the project timeline, payment schedule, the scope of work, waste removal, guarantees, and our insurance details.
We then sign the necessary contracts and paperwork, and work will begin!