Process & Practicalities
How to choose a builder
What's actually worth checking before you commit.
Choosing a builder comes down to checking they're properly insured, asking to see evidence of similar completed work, getting a detailed written quote rather than a headline figure, and being clear on how the project will be managed day to day - not just who's swinging the hammer.
Last updated 10 August 2026
·By Richard Anslow
Key points
- Confirm insurance directly, ask to see evidence of comparable completed work, and speak to a previous client where possible rather than relying on reviews alone.
- Get a detailed written quote broken down by stage or trade, not a single headline number - it makes comparing quotes like-for-like far easier.
- Ask specifically who's coordinating the project day to day - that has a bigger effect on how smoothly it runs than any single trade's skill.
What to actually check
Public liability insurance, and ideally professional indemnity cover, is worth confirming directly rather than assuming. Ask to see evidence of previous, comparable work, and where possible speak to a previous client rather than relying on reviews alone.
A detailed written quote, broken down by stage or trade rather than a single headline number, makes it far easier to compare like for like and to spot what's included versus what's a provisional sum.
Management matters as much as the trades
Who's actually coordinating the project day to day - sequencing trades, ordering materials, resolving problems as they come up - has a bigger effect on how smoothly a project runs than any single trade's individual skill. Ask specifically who that person is and how they'll communicate with you.
A sensible pace of decision-making
Be cautious of anyone pushing you to commit before you've had a proper chance to compare quotes and ask questions. A contractor confident in their own work is generally comfortable with you taking the time to check them out properly.
FAQs
Why do building quotes vary so much between contractors?
Different specifications, different exclusions, and different levels of contingency are the usual reasons - see our guide to why building quotes vary for what to check before comparing them.
Take this further
Have a question about your own project?
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