Builders in Blackheath are a dime a dozen! Finding a good builder with a solid reputation, not so much. Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to find a builder with a good reputation, qualified team, and appreciation for your project and budget.
Understand Your Needs
It is important to identify and understand your needs. Glass Velux windows in your kitchen extension look great. They can also provide excellent air-flow in the summer, but do you really need it? Perhaps a glass skylight (which is much cheaper) will suffice.
Do Your Research on Builders in Blackheath
- Follow up references of projects in SE3 or surrounding areas.
- Check accreditations and verify they are up to date.
- If a builder has immediate availability, make sure you know why. Any reputable builder will book projects at least 8-12 weeks ahead.
- Search reviews about this builder on Facebook and Google
- Response times after making inquiries can give you an indication of how your project will be managed.
Word of Mouth … a Word of Warning
A family member, friend, or neighbor is usually the best source of recommendation to find a reputable builder. However, be sure to only act on recommendations from contacts who have actually used the recommended builder in question.
Many people will simply try to help, but may be recommending someone they actually have no experience of using themselves, but simply saw an ad or “know a guy”.
Facebook or Google is a very good source for reviews. The reason for this is that these type of reviews (especially Facebook) is much more difficult to fake as you need to use a real account. Reviews on other sites may look good but are usually paid for, or completely fake.
Finding Good Builders in Blackheath
If you plan on being “hands-on” with your project, trade associations and comparison websites such as “CheckaTrade” can be a great source of information. These sites and others like it, provide a way for you to read reviews on many builders and tradespeople, before reaching out to them. Consequently, you trust, without even meeting your proposed contractor.
One of the pitfalls however is that you will be the project manager… If you are attempting a larger project like an extension or perhaps a new build, this may be risky if you do not have the right skill set, time, and/or experience.
Tips to find a good builder
- Get recommendations from people who have used the builder, by looking at current projects completed or near completion in and around your area. Reach out and speak to the owners. Most people who have recently finished a project would be more than happy to share their experience. Don’t be afraid to go knocking on a door or two.
- Make sure any prospective builder can outline their whole process and explain each part. This goes for building, timekeeping, costing, billing, sourcing, and payment schedules. If they do not have this in place, move on (this will save you a lot of pain and heartache) because you do not want to be a guinea pig.
- Be careful of builders who do not charge VAT or do not have all the correct insurance documents in place. Insist on seeing the documents and verify the VAT number – you can do this here. The logic is that if a business doesn’t charge VAT, it is brand new (little experience). Alternatively, they may be cutting corners to get the job… If this is the case, you have to consider what else will they be “skimping” on. Don’t be fooled by a potential saving on a “cash” job. Firstly it is likely illegal, but more importantly, it dramatically increases your risks.
- For projects, less than £30k, insist on paying a small deposit with a credit card (even just £100). Under section 75, this will cover the whole contract amount! If the builder cannot accept credit cards, move on.