A good place to starting looking online to find a builder is on sites like the Federation of Master Builders. There are some other websites like this one too all of which can also help with the search for a good builder for your needs. Ask friends and family for recommendations. This way can be a no brainer.
Look at boards at building sites, search online for highly-rated builders in Bristol. Also see who generally seems to be winning the best work in your local area too. Good builders don’t come cheap. But they’ll guide you through the entire process. This is from looking at the drawings and specification for your project right through to the kind of finish you also end up with too. They can and will be able to take care of the lot in fact.
Put it all down in writing
Put details of the job down in writing – The more thorough the better. Your contract should outline what work is to be done. Also of the start/completion dates, security, safety, the cost of the work and materials, payment plans, catering and lavatory arrangements, hours of work, cleaning up and disposal of waste materials.
Insurance is also key too
Ask if the builder in Bristol is insured. They should have cover to protect themselves against property damage and personal and public liability. This is to protect you and the general public in the event of an accident or injury. This can and will be able to make a vast difference as to how the project is able to pan out for you.
Just make sure the builders are local – genuinely
The first question to ask is whether builders are actually near you. Some builders will present themselves as a local firm, when they’re in fact based further afield. It’s not uncommon for builders to have multiple websites targeting different areas, for instance, and then subcontract the work to someone nearby. While you would eventually be getting a local builder, it might not be the one you expected. To make sure builders are actually near you, be sure to check for a local phone number and address.
Check out the builders local experience
When it comes to something as important as your home, you want any workers to be experienced. Ideally, you want that experience to be local too. Working in the same area for several years or even decades is real test of quality and service. Having plenty of experience near you will also give builders a good understanding of local properties. With many neighbouring homes built at a similar time, they often have the same structure, design and materials, all of which will give builders a better starting point for work on your home.
Working locally, builders will even know all the best local suppliers. That will help them get the best materials at a fair price with savings passed on to you. On the flipside, if a builder has experience but only in other areas, is raises questions as to why they’re moving about so much – and have to go further afield to find customers.
Overall
When searching for a Builder, why not ask your architect or designer for recommendations on any good builders in the area. It’s always beneficial to check out local building work that is happening in your area or ask friends and family. Maybe even a neighbour who has recently had work done. Another great way to find a builder is to browse online. Or via a trade association such as the Federation of Master Builders. They have a list of local builders who are vetted, inspected and insured.
