How to find a good builder
To find a good builder, get three written quotes from established local builders, check each is properly insured and registered for the work, ask to see recent jobs and references, and never pay a large deposit up front. The cheapest quote is rarely the right one; the clearest, most detailed one usually is.
Where to start
Start with people you trust. A recommendation from someone whose finished job you have actually seen is worth more than any badge. Beyond that, build a shortlist of three local builders from trade bodies and review sites, then judge them yourself.
- Ask friends, family and neighbours who have had similar work done well
- Look for membership of a recognised body such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) or TrustMark
- Use review sites for leads, but treat the reviews as a starting point, not proof
- Shortlist three and get each to quote on the same scope of work
Questions to ask a builder
Before you accept a quote, ask every builder the same questions. The good ones answer clearly and in writing; vague answers are a warning.
- Are you covered by public liability insurance, and can I see the certificate?
- Can I see two or three recent jobs like mine, and speak to those customers?
- Who actually does the work, your own team or subcontractors?
- What is the start date and how long will it take?
- What does the price include, and what is specifically excluded?
- How are extras and changes priced and agreed?
- What is the payment schedule, and what guarantee do I get?
- Will you put it all in a written contract?
Checks to run before you hire
Spend an hour on basic checks. It is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy.
- Public liability insurance is current and covers a job of your size
- The right registration for the work: Gas Safe for gas, NICEIC or NAPIT for electrics
- The business is established, with a real address and a traceable Companies House record where it is a limited company
- Reviews across more than one site, and references you actually phone
Red flags to walk away from
Any one of these is a reason to be cautious. Two or more, and walk away.
- Cash only, or a large deposit demanded before any work starts
- No written quote, or a price scribbled on the back of a card
- Pressure to decide today or to take a one-off discount
- No fixed address, no insurance, or evasive answers
- They knocked on your door offering to fix something you had not noticed
Comparing quotes the right way
Compare like for like. Make sure every quote covers the same work to the same spec, then look at the detail rather than just the bottom line. A quote that breaks down labour, materials and stages is a good sign. Be wary of the one that comes in far below the others, it usually means something has been left out, or will appear later as an extra.
Common questions
Three is the sensible number. It gives you a feel for the fair price and how each builder communicates, without dragging the process out. Make sure all three are quoting on exactly the same scope of work.
A modest deposit to cover materials is normal on a larger job, but you should never hand over a large sum before work starts. Pay in stages against work actually completed, and hold back the final payment until any snags are fixed.
Ask for their public liability insurance certificate, confirm the right registration for the work (Gas Safe for gas, NICEIC or NAPIT for electrics), check the company on Companies House if it is limited, and phone two recent customers.
These are independent guide prices based on typical UK jobs in 2026. Your actual cost depends on your property, spec, access and where you live. Always get at least three written quotes before committing.