Choosing your Builder

If you are considering any work to your property and you require a builder you should consider this choice very carefully. As this is one of the biggest investments you are likely to make you should thoroughly check any builder out before employing their services.

Here are some things you should consider doing:

For a large project consider employing a professional to advise you.

Details of professional bodies who can recommend a local contractor (see useful contact and links) are available here

Discuss the extent of your arrangement with your professional.

• Does it involve the preparation of plans only or is site supervision part of the package?

If you consider your job so small you don't require a professional, get advice from someone in the industry who you know and trust.

Always obtain quotations (at least three) and have them checked.

Don't automatically go for the cheapest quote.

Ask questions of the builder:

• Where have they worked before?
• Are they happy for you to see their work?
• What is their expertise in the particular project you intend to carry out?
• How do they want to be paid, on completion or in stages?
• Can they supply references from satisfied customers?
• Are they happy to accept a retention clause?
• Will they give you a final completion date?
• Will they accept a penalty clause on failure to complete on time?
• Will they agree to independent arbitration should you have any dispute?

Finally assure yourself by checking out the builders work, references and other aspects, like work habits, with previous clients.  Professional builders won't mind you doing checks, they realise how important it is that you trust both them and the quality of work, only cowboys won't want you looking too closely at their track record.

If you would like to speak to a member of the Building Consultancy Team please contact us, details below.

Contact Details

Building Consultancy

Email - buildingconsultancy@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402224

Fax - 01244 321876

Address - Building Consultancy, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS