How to choose a builder for your home renovation

We like to think that we’re one of the best in the business when it comes to home extensions and renovations in Hampshire, but understand our clients have a big decision to make when deciding what builder to go with. Here are a few tips on what to investigate and ask when considering a builder for your home extension project.

Research Local Builders

Whether you’re based in Southampton, Portsmouth or any of the surrounding areas like Fareham, there are lots of builders to choose from. Take a look at their websites. Do they offer the services you’ll need to complete your project and more importantly, do they have the experience to deliver a quality finish?

Draw up a short list of who you’d like to approach and some common questions you can ask each one. These could be about their experience, the process they go through when working with a customer, timelines, contracts and payment schedules, and how they plan the project. Hopefully you’ll be adding Stubbs Homes to that short list as we offer free no obligation consultations that can help you navigate through all the decisions you’ll need to make along the way!

How will the project be managed?

When considering a builder for a large project like an extension, there will be many different stages, trades and processes involved. A key question to ask is how that will be managed. Will you be left organising the electrics or plumbing for example, or can the builder manage the complete build from start to finish? Attempting to manage different parts of the project yourself can be very risky, often adding stress, time and extra expense to a project as there are so many variables to consider.

Look for Accreditations

We chose to apply for the Federation of Master Builders membership as it goes further than some other accreditations, with several stages to approval. Firstly, members are vetted on their trading and credit history and insurance alongside other paper based credentials and then an independent assessment takes place including a detailed inspection of a project. Trustmark is another tradesperson accreditation we are proud to have achieved.

You’ll also need to make sure any additions such as electrical work has the appropriate approved standard such as NICEIC so that you can get the correct installation certification for the work undertaken.

Recommendations and references

There’s nothing better than a recommendation so ask friends and family but also look for reviews online from others so that you can back-up claims made by the builder by real life experiences. We’re proud to have some excellent feedback from customers and will always try to put you in touch with our previous clients if you’d like some one-to-one feedback on our services.

Assess communication and compatibility

Home extensions take time and it’s important that you have good communication with your builder. Developing a relationship based on the understanding of your needs is crucial to the success of your project. During your evaluation of potential builders, imagine if you can see yourself working with them for the next 6 months or more.

Choose the best fit for your project

You may have had a recommendation for a builder from a friend or family member, but do they regularly undertake the same kind of work? Look at their portfolio and assess case studies and projects to see if they’re the right fit for what’s required in your home. It may be better to work with a specialist e.g. for a large project like an extension.

Regular updates and contingency plans

When appointing a building contractor, ask them how they will keep you informed of progress or any potential delays to the timeline. Also check what contingency plans will be put in place. For example, if a material has a long lead time, staff unexpectedly leave or are off sick, or if another project they are working on overruns.

Getting Estimates

It will be almost impossible to get a fully detailed quote of every stage of your build from the outset as there are so many variables. What is realistic is guide prices and pricing bands that helps you to understand where a builder sits within your budget. From there, you’ll be able to discuss the specifics and request a detailed breakdown of the project. Take a look at our step-by-step process of requesting a quote to understand more about how we work.

We can’t stress too much the old sayings ‘you get what you pay for’ and ‘if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is’…that’s why the research phase is so important when evaluating your building contractor’s suitability for your home renovation.

Plus, it’s never too early to start looking into builders. Reputable ones will likely be busy with other projects and so there’ll be a wait list to get started. That said, there’s lots of preparation and details to iron out and so the earlier the better to get a building contractor on board.  

Want to chat through the options? Get in touch for a free no obligation discovery call.