Picking the right builder is the biggest decision you’ll make on any building project. Get it right and the job runs smoothly. Get it wrong and it can cost you a fortune. We’ve been building in and around Chelmsford since 1997, and these are the questions we’d ask if we were in your shoes.
1. How long have you been trading?
A builder who has been around for years has a reputation to protect. Ask how long they’ve been going and what kind of work they do most.
2. Can I see jobs you have done?
Any decent builder will happily show you photos of finished work, and ideally put you in touch with past customers. Ask for work similar to yours.
3. Are you insured?
Ask to see their public liability insurance certificate, and check it’s in date. If anything goes wrong on site, you need to know it’s covered.
4. Who will actually be on site?
Find out who will be doing the work day to day and who your main point of contact is. Some firms win the job and then send someone else.
5. Will I get a written, itemised quote?
A proper quote should break down what’s included, not just give one figure. It makes it much easier to compare builders fairly.
6. What isn’t included?
Ask about skips, building control fees, structural calculations, making good, decorating and anything outside. The cheapest quote often leaves things out.
7. Who handles planning and building regs?
Some builders expect you to sort the drawings, planning and building control yourself. Others, like us, can do it all. Make sure you know who’s responsible.
8. How long will it take?
Ask for a rough programme and what happens if it runs over. Weather and supply delays happen, but a good builder will keep you in the loop.
9. How do the payments work?
Payments should be in stages that match the progress of the work. Be wary of anyone asking for a big chunk of money up front.
10. What happens if something goes wrong after you finish?
Ask how they handle snagging and any problems that come up after the job is done.
Warning signs to watch out for
- Pressure to sign or pay today
- Cash only, with no paperwork
- No proper business name or contact details
- A quote that’s far cheaper than everyone else’s
- Reluctance to show you previous work
How we work
M&J is a family business that has been building across Chelmsford and Essex since 1997. Our team includes an architect and planning consultant, so we can handle the drawings and the planning as well as the build. You can see our recent work on our projects page and read about us on Meet the Owners.
If you’re planning a project in Chelmsford or anywhere in Essex, get in touch for a free site visit or call Mark on 07747 022565 or Garrat on 07783 549849.