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How to hire a builder
Updated October 2026
Finding and checking builders
- Get two or three quotes for the same written specification
- Check reviews and ask for recent references you can contact
- Ask about insurance (public liability) and any trade body membership
- For gas and electrical work, check Gas Safe registration and electrical competent-person scheme membership
What a good quote includes
An itemised breakdown of labour and materials, start and finish dates, who handles building control and waste, and what happens if extra work is found.
Payments
Agree staged payments tied to completed work, keep a final payment until the job is finished and snagged, and avoid paying large amounts upfront or in cash without receipts.
Red flags
- Pressure to decide on the spot
- No written quote or contract
- Asking for most of the money before starting
- Cold calls about "urgent" work
Ready to get quotes? Use the form and we'll pass your project to an independent local tradesperson.
Need help?
Use the form to send a free enquiry. We'll pass it to an independent local home renovation provider.