Advice on hiring a builder through MyBuilder
MyBuilder helps you shortlist and hire trusted tradesmen in your local area. On average, each job attracts ten interested tradesmen so you may need some help when it comes to deciding who you want to hire.
Hire the right builder for you
Take your time over choosing a reputable builder. Client references, MyBuilder feedback and relevant experience should inform your hiring decision more so than trade association memberships and qualifications.
Above all, try to choose a builder who you feel you can trust and with whom you'll be comfortable communicating throughout your project.
Check feedback and references
We perform multiple checks on all feedback to ensure that it is genuine and that the job is authentic. When researching tradesmen, you should make sure that feedback is relevant for the work you plan to carry out.
Tradesmen who are new to MyBuilder may not yet have received feedback. We encourage all new tradesmen to submit up to two previous client references, which we personally verify before posting to their profile.
If you are interested in hiring a tradesman who has no feedback or references on their profile, make sure you do your own background checks using the following tips for guidance:
- ask for at least two recent references, including telephone numbers and addresses.
- make sure that references are not family members or friends.
- ask references not only about the work carried out but also about the tradesman’s conduct.
- make sure that references are relevant to the work you plan to undertake.
- ask to view previously completed work and if possible to speak with the customer.
Insist on a quote
Always get a quote before you hire. Obtain a minimum of three quotes and make sure that all quotes are based on the same work specification. Try to obtain fixed quotes rather than estimates which are generally a rough price and subject to change.
Quotes should include the tradesman’s expected start/completion date subject to your acceptance, preferred method of payment and when payments are required. Always ask for a breakdown of how the price was calculated.
Ask builders to detail precisely what is and isn’t included in the quote. Insist on a revised quote for any additional work that falls outside of the original job specification - before that work is carried out.
Don’t just opt for the cheapest quote. Builders who provide low quotes may not fully understand how much work is required and could try to claw money back later in the process. Bear in mind that there is often a trade-off between price and quality - going for the cheapest quote could end up costing you the most.
Once you’ve accepted a quote through MyBuilder, ask your tradesman to provide confirmation in writing including a full address and telephone number. Check if your builder is VAT registered and if the quote includes VAT, as this will have an impact on your final invoice.
Verify important information
Before you make a final decision about who to hire, make sure that you are completely happy with your choice of tradesman. References and job feedback comments are validated by MyBuilder, but there are other questions that you might want to ask, such as:
- how long have they been in business?
- do they have public liability insurance? Ask to see the builder’s public liability insurance certificate. Building work may also affect your home and contents insurance so check with your insurance company before work begins.
- do they plan on using sub-contractors? Make sure that the builder knows he is responsible for all members of his team, including sub-contractors. They should also be covered by the builder’s liability insurance and, if tasked with gas or electrical work, carry appropriate certification.
- is their work guaranteed? Good builders might guarantee materials and workmanship. Are guarantees insurance-backed in case the builder goes out of business? Bear in mind that if you choose or buy materials then they are normally your responsibility.
- do they belong to a professional body or trade association? Contact those organisations to verify membership and enquire about what assurances they offer to consumers if things go wrong.
- will they agree to independent mediation in the event of any dispute?
Get a contract
For larger projects or jobs that require you to hand over money up front for materials, make sure that you draw up a contract appropriate to the type of work being carried out. Popular forms of contract can be purchased through the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) or downloaded free of charge from the Federation of Master Builders.
When drawing up a contract, bear in mind that it will protect the tradesman’s interests as well as your own. If payment schedules are included for example, they must be observed to avoid a possible breach of contract.
Some contracts allow for payment plans such as stage payments and retention. Reputable builders are keen to provide good customer service and will normally agree to this.
- Stage payments allow for money to be paid as work is completed.
- Retention allows you to hold back a percentage of the final invoice until after the job has been completed to your satisfaction.
Don’t work outside MyBuilder
Always Hire through the site and be sure to leave feedback once your job is finished. An honest and reputable builder will want your feedback to help build their reputation. Tradesmen who ask people to work outside the site know that they can’t be held accountable for their work.
