If you’re considering adding an extension to your home, it’s important to find a builder that you can trust to get the job done to the highest possible standards. With this in mind, we’ve put together this article to help you make a well-informed decision.
Check Testimonials And Reviews
The best way to find a reliable builder for your extension is to ask around your friends, family members, and neighbours to see if they can recommend anyone in person. Word of mouth is often the best way to find trusted tradespeople to work on your property. If you don’t know anyone to ask, however, there are several vetted and trusted websites where you can find testimonials and reviews from customers.
Find Out If Your Preferred Builder Is A Trading Body Member
Although builders are under no legal obligation to join a professional trading body, many choose to do so. Those builders who have taken this course of action must go through a rigorous process in order to achieve membership, so you can be sure that you’re making a reliable choice if you go with one of these companies. There are four main professional trading bodies for builders in the UK:
- The Federation of Master Builders
- The Guild of Builders
- The National Federation of Builders
- The Trust Mark Scheme
Get Written Quotes
It’s always sensible to approach at least three builders to obtain written quotes so that you can compare and contrast what they have to offer. Make sure to ask for some references too if possible, if ask whether the builder is able to show you an extension that is similar in style to your proposed design that they’ve already completed for another customer.
Agree On Timescales For Your Project
It’s important to set timescales for your project before getting started and make sure that all parties are in agreement. That helps to keep the costs under better control and ensures that everybody involved is focused on the completion date.
Hire An Architect
It’s always wise to use the services of an architect when planning your extension. Not only will an architect help you get the best possible use from your available space, but they will also ensure that there is a clear plan in place for your builders to adhere to. An architect can also make sure that building regulations are all being complied with to avoid problems arising at a later date.
One further benefit of using an architect is that that they can administer a contract with your chosen builder, although it’s important to still sign a contract with your chosen builder before beginning any work, even if you choose not to hire an architect. A contract will ensure that all parties are aware of the expectations and obligations of the project and should smooth the process in the long term.
How Much Will It Cost To Add An Extension?
There are many different kinds of extensions that you may choose for your property, and the cost of hiring the builder is only part of the cost considerations. The kind of extension you require as well as your fittings and fixtures will all impact the final price, although you can expect to pay around £1100 to £1500 per square metre before VAT.
Do I Need A Specialist Builder?
It’s fair to say that extensions are quite a specialised field. Some builders are specialists in extensions, and some even specialise in certain kinds of extensions such as timber frame or garage extensions. Nevertheless, whatever a builder specialises in, they should still approach your project thoroughly and carefully.
An experienced and reputable builder will be keen to meet with you in person onsite so they can see where the extension will be constructed. They may also offer to show you a comparable recent extension that they have worked on or show you their own portfolio outlining their experience and workmanship.
It’s important that you can get on well with your chosen builder – the process of adding an extension to your home can be stressful at the best of times, and particularly so if an unexpected problem arises, so you need to be sure that you can work effectively together before you get started on the project.
What Should I Ask A Builder?
When you’re planning an extension and choosing a builder, there are some key questions to ask. They include:
- What kind of work have you done previously?
- Have you completed an extension project similar to mind recently?
- Do you have membership of a professional trading body?
- Could you supply a written quotation including all drawings and plans, material specifications, finishes, fittings, and fixtures?
- How will allowances be factored in for provisional sums?
- How will allowances be factored in for the prime cost sum?
- Are you insured, who is your insurer, and what does your policy cover?
- Do you understand local planning regulations and is my extension going to be affected?
The answers to these questions will help you make a well-informed decision about which builder to choose for your extension.