10 Point Guide To Finding Reliable Builders

If you have a work or home building project you want to get started on, finding the right company to carry out the work may be your next challenge. Here is a 10 point guide to making the right decision.

1. Using an online business directory, draw up a list of all the building firms that are in your town or city. Read any reviews or online ratings that have been provided by previous customers.

2. The directory should also provide you with links to the builders' website, so click through and have a look round. Pay particularly close attention to the firm's credentials, experience and previous work.

3. It is also worth speaking to people you know and asking them for recommendations. Again, try and find websites for the firms they mention and see what they can offer.

4. Asking your friends for their negative builder experiences could also prove beneficial, as it will help you rule out any questionable firms.

5. Speaking to the National Federations of Builders may also help, as they may have details about the companies you've been looking at or have recommendations of their own.

6. By now you should have a small list of companies. Choose three or four and ask them to quote for the job. If there are huge differences between the figures, ask the builders to explain why there's costs so much (or so little) compared to others.

7. It's also worth asking them for details and photographs of other similar work they have done.

8. Once you're satisfied with one of the firms, it's worth doing one more credibility check by searching for the company name (and the names of the people you've met/spoken to) online. You may find warning signs that they aren't quite right.

9. If you're satisfied, ask for confirmation of the quote, completion date and working hours in writing.

10. Once the work is done, as for a breakdown of the bill. If they are trying to charge more than originally quoted, it may be worth seeking advice from the industry's governing body.

By: Robert Berry-Smith

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If you live in Birmingham and need a builder, online local business directory LocalMole.co.uk can help you find builders in Birmingham. You can also use the directory to find other businesses in the area like a Birmingham electricians or Birmingham takeaways.