HIRING GUIDES
How to hire a good builder
Updated 05/26
By: Tommy Writer
Reviewed: Laura Macdonald
Whether you’re planning an extension, renovating your home, or building something from scratch, choosing the right builder matters.
Building work is often a major investment — not just financially. When hiring a builder, there's a good chance you're asking them to fulfil a project you've been considering for a while.
What builders do and when you may need one
What to check before hiring a builder
How to compare building quotes fairly
Questions to ask before agreeing to work
Common mistakes homeowners make when hiring builders
It’s completely understandable to want to find the right contractor for the job. A good builder can help the work run smoothly and leave you with a finished result you're genuinely happy with.
Most builders take real pride in their work. But because projects can be large, complex, and disruptive, it’s important to know what to check before agreeing to anything.
This guide explains how to find a good builder, what questions to ask, how to compare building quotes fairly, and the practical steps that help you choose with confidence.
Quick checks before hiring a builder
If you’re comparing builders, these quick checks can help you avoid problems later on.
Before hiring a builder, at the very least, check that they:
Have experience with projects similar to yours
Can provide a written quote or estimate
Hold valid public liability insurance
Have recent customer reviews or references
Clearly explain timelines and next steps
Communicate openly about costs and expectations
What does a builder do?
Builders manage and carry out a wide range of construction and renovation work on homes and properties.
Just a few examples of the type of work a builder can help with include:
Structural alterations
Renovations and refurbishments
New builds
Foundations and brickwork
Some builders specialise in particular types of projects, while others manage larger jobs involving several different trades.
If you're in need of emergency building work, look for this service on their Checkatrade profile.
Find a trusted local builder
When should you call a builder?
Some home improvements can be handled by individual trades, but larger projects usually need a builder to oversee the work and coordinate everything properly.
Common building jobs homeowners hire for
Many homeowners hire builders for projects such as:
Renovating kitchens or bathrooms
Garage or loft conversions
New build projects
When do you need a specialist builder?
Certain projects may require builders with specialist experience, particularly if the work involves:
Groundworks or drainage issues
Building work is a big investment, so it’s completely reasonable to ask questions. Most good builders will be happy to talk you through similar projects, show examples of their work, or share customer references.
Skills and experience to look for in a builder
A good builder brings more than practical building skills to a project. Communication, organisation, and reliability all make a big difference to how smoothly everything goes (and your stress levels!).
Look for builders who can demonstrate:
Experience with similar projects
Clear communication and realistic timelines
Knowledge of building regulations where relevant
Good organisation and project management
A reliable network of subcontractors and trades
Many homeowners also find it reassuring to:
Visit previous projects
View photos of completed work
Speak to previous customers
Meet the builder in person before work starts
A good working relationship matters, especially on larger projects that may last several weeks or months.
Qualifications and industry memberships
Some builders may also hold recognised qualifications, apprenticeships, or membership of professional trade bodies. While these aren’t always essential, they can offer extra reassurance when comparing contractors for larger projects. Examples include:
Federation of Master Builders (FMB): Membership of a recognised trade association can indicate a commitment to professional standards, customer service, and ongoing good practice
TrustMark: A government-endorsed quality scheme covering a range of trades involved in home improvements and repairs
For many homeowners, experience, clear communication, and strong customer reviews are just as important as formal memberships or qualifications.
Kitchen renovation by Checkatrade member, SM London Construction Ltd
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
What should you look for when hiring a builder?
Building work often involves lots of moving parts, so it’s important to feel confident in both the work itself and how the project will be managed day to day.
Things worth paying attention to include:
How clearly the builder explains the project
Whether quotes are detailed and itemised
How organised and responsive they are
Whether timelines feel realistic
How comfortable you feel communicating with them
Many homeowners say they knew quite quickly whether a builder felt like the right fit after meeting them in person.
Take the time to read previous customer reviews — you'll find them on the builders' Checkatrade profile. These are often the sort of details people reference when sharing their experience of a tradesperson (and they're well worth knowing in advance).
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Questions to ask before hiring a builder
Before agreeing to work, consider asking a few 'qualifying questions':
Have you completed similar projects before?
Can I see examples of recent work?
Who will manage the project day to day?
Will subcontractors be used?
What is included in the quote?
How long do you expect the work to take?
How do you handle delays or unexpected issues?
What are the payment terms?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee for the work?
These conversations help set expectations early and reduce the chances of misunderstandings later on.
Understanding quotes and building costs
Building costs vary hugely depending on a variety of different factors, including:
Project size
Materials used
Structural complexity
Labour requirements
Location
Access to the property
That’s why comparing a selection of detailed quotes matters.
How do you compare building quotes fairly?
One of the key things to bear in mind is that the cheapest quote is not always the best value.
When comparing quotes, check whether they include:
Materials
Waste removal
Scaffolding and equipment hire
VAT
Timelines and payment stages
It’s also worth checking whether the builder has allowed for potential extras or unforeseen work.
Our cost guides will help give you an idea of typical prices for common building projects:
Getting a few quotes gives you a much clearer idea of what feels reasonable for the type of work you need.
A detailed quote may look more expensive at first, but it can help avoid unexpected costs and disagreements later on.
Common mistakes when hiring builders
Most building problems can be avoided by taking your time before work begins.
Common pitfalls include:
Hiring based on price alone
Agreeing work without a written quote
Not checking references or reviews
Choosing someone without relevant project experience
Rushing decisions under pressure
Not agreeing payment stages upfront
Building work often lasts weeks or months, so choosing someone you communicate well with is just as important as the price.
Can you do building work yourself?
Some decorating or finishing work may be suitable for confident DIYers.
However, structural work, extensions, and major renovations usually require experience, planning knowledge, and coordination between multiple trades.
Poor building work can lead to:
Structural problems
Building regulation issues
Delays and extra costs
Insurance complications
For larger projects, hiring an experienced builder is usually the safest and most reliable option.
Checklist: how to hire a builder
Find a trusted builder near you
Finding a builder used to rely heavily on word of mouth alone. Today, online platforms make it much easier to compare builders, read reviews, and see examples of previous work before getting in touch.
When you use Checkatrade, you'll find builders who are:
Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard
Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work
Guaranteed - When you book through Checkatrade, your job is covered by our guarantee, up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
Enter your postcode to compare reputable builders who work in your local area and request quotes with confidence.
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Hiring a builder FAQs
Many homeowners start by checking reviews, asking for recommendations, and comparing builders with experience in similar projects. Meeting builders in person and asking detailed questions can also help you feel more confident before hiring.
Look for builders with relevant experience, clear communication, detailed quotes, and positive customer feedback. It’s also important to choose someone you'll feel comfortable working with over the course of the project.
A good building quote should clearly explain labour, materials, timelines, and payment stages. Comparing itemised quotes side by side usually gives a much clearer picture than looking at the headline price alone.
Common problems include unclear quotes, poor communication, rushed decisions, and hiring builders without experience in similar work. Taking time to compare options carefully and ask relevant questions can help avoid issues later on.
Consistent customer reviews, previous project examples, clear communication, and valid insurance are all signs of a reputable builder. Many homeowners also find it reassuring to speak to previous customers directly.
Before joining Checkatrade, members complete up to 12 checks. These may include identity checks, proof of address, qualifications where relevant, financial checks, and customer experience reviews. Checkatrade members also agree to uphold the Checkatrade Standard, which set out how work should be carried out and how customers should be treated. Customer reviews are also monitored and verified.
Many homeowners use Checkatrade because it makes it easier to compare builders, read verified reviews, and see examples of previous work in one place. It can help give extra confidence before making contact because Checkatrade has already done the important checks.
For larger projects, most homeowners find it helpful to get at least three quotes. This makes it easier to compare pricing, timelines, and approaches before making a decision.
Deposits are common for larger projects, particularly where materials need to be ordered in advance. However, it’s generally best to agree payment stages in writing before work begins.
Timelines vary depending on the size and complexity of the building project. Smaller jobs may take days or weeks, while extensions or renovations can take several months. A good builder should explain realistic timescales upfront.
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