Building Regulations - Choosing your builder

We appreciate that it’s not always easy to find a reliable and trustworthy builder and choosing the right one is probably the most important decision you will make when you are carrying out building work.

Our aim is to work along side your builder in order to help ensure your project meets minimum national building standards. We will do this by:

• Checking your building plans for compliance with building regulations and work with your Architect accordingly
• Carry out site inspections in accordance with an inspection plan when work starts on site

Your responsibility is to choose a competent builder. The following tips should help you avoid choosing a poor quality builder.

Tips for finding the right builder for your project

1. Get a plan of the work you want done. Don’t be pressured into unnecessary work or work you cannot afford. For all but the simplest of jobs professional advice may well be needed
2. Get the necessary consents from the council (planning permission and building regulation approval) and your mortgage lender/insurance company. Discuss your plans with neighbours particularly if there are issues covered by the Part Wall Act 1996.  Note: the council does not enforce this legislation
3. One of the most reliable sources of information about builders in your area will be friends and family who have recently had work done – always ask for and follow up on references and ask to look at work done for previous customers. Good builders are always happy for you to see their previous work
4. Preferably choose a builder that is a member of a reputable trade organisation, such as:
   • The federation of Master Builders
   • Trustmark
   • The National Federation of Builders
   • The National Federation of Roofers
   • The Chartered Institute of Building
5. Solihull Council's Trading Standards Service operates the ShipShape registration scheme for home improvement professionals who demonstrate their commitment to fair, professional and honest trade. The aim of the register is to give consumers a list of traders they can rely on. It also gives legitimate businesses the opportunity to show they are committed to providing a good service to their customers.  To join the scheme, businesses must agree to meet minimum standards, these are assessed by Trading Standards. Please note that inclusion on the register does not mean the business is 'approved' by the Council, neither is the Council responsible for work carried out by scheme members.
6. Seek at least three quotations based on a detailed specification and compare price, condition and reputation for reliability and good workmanship. Many good builders are very busy so consider being patient rather than choosing someone who can start tomorrow. Ask to see the builder's public liability insurance certificate and as the building work may affect your home and contents insurance, contact your own insurance company
7. Obtain a written contract covering details of your agreement, notably the work to be done, price, start and completion dates, stage payments and retention periods and the position on delays where time is of the essence. You can download a free plain English contract from the Federation of Master Builders "Find A Builder" web page.
8. Find out if there is a worthwhile guarantee available giving cover against a contractor ceasing to trade, Insurance backed schemes may be particularly appropriate.
9. Avoid deposits and advance payments. Use stage payments as a means of keeping the work progressing. Use any retained payment to ensure that a defect discovered after completion is put right
10. Check if the builder is happy to agree to the final payment after your Building Control Surveyor has carried out a completion inspection and is in a position to issue the completion certificate
11. Be as clear as possible about the way you will deal with disputes
12. Make sure that you play fair with the builder. Pay bills for good work promptly. There is no sense in creating unnecessary problems and bad feeling