How to find a good local builder near me?
It’s vital that you take care when seeking out a builder to help with your renovation or construction project. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take to find the right professionals.
How to find a good local builder near me?
It’s vital that you take care when seeking out a builder to help with your renovation or construction project. Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take to find the right professionals.
Ask for recommendations
One way to find the right builders in your local area is to ask friends and family for recommendations. Many of our Architectural design customers have got in touch with us after receiving referrals from people they know. Social media is another way but beware you will often find individuals who can use CAD offering to design your Home Extension. You are likely to get it for a cheap price but you know the saying, “Pay Peanuts, Get Monkeys“. It really is an area of the project not to scrimp on. It is the first stages and is it really worth the risk making mistakes right at the beginning? Imagine building a tower out of lego and the first few pieces you lay are wrong, you would have to take the whole lot down and start again.
Check online reviews and ask for a reference
Another good way to find the reputable builder or builders you’re looking for is to read online reviews. Seek out a builder with great feedback from several former clients. You could also ask for references from previous clients. Kirkwood have 5 Star reviews on Google. Check them out Here. If a builder is reluctant to pass you contact details of a previous or existing client personally I would run a mile. Customers know how difficult it is finding reliable trades. If they had found a reliable builder and were happy with his services I am certain most people would have no problem helping out a stranger by allowing their builder to pass out their email or mobile number.
trade organisations
Trade organisations are an option and are usually pretty easy ways to find a selection of trades relevant to house extension builders in Essex. They are ranked by reviews but be wary, any online review can be faked. They are defiantly not bullet proof so while it is an option, I would still ask the builder for details of a current project.
Beware of trade organisations
These trade organisations are borderline scams. The reviews are not verified so trades can ask friends and family to send in reviews earning them an instant 5 star or 10/10 rating. Remember the builders are the ones paying the trade organisations. The trade organisations help them look good so they continue to pay for the service. Kirkwood tried this out ourselves. We sent in 5 fake reviews and they all got accepted.
Look at past examples of their work
It can be very helpful to view past examples of a builder’s work before you go ahead and agree to anything. If possible, try to see the work in real life rather than simply looking at images online. Images are good but again these can be screen shots from Google or stock images purchased online. You can get a professional image of absolutely anything these days. If you can see a member of their team in the photo wearing the branded uniform that pretty clear its one of theirs. Ideally if you can look around a completed project you will get an opportunity to see what the finishing is like.
Make sure they are insured
Verify that the builder has adequate insurance coverage including liability insurance. This is essential for protecting you and your property in case anything goes wrong during the construction process. PLI Insurance needs to be asked for before handing over a deposit. Check the date on the certificate and check that it will be valid for the whole duration of your project. If not then you run the risk. If there’s any major damage to your property and the builder goes under, you will not be covered.
Assess their communication skills
Any reliable and reputable builder will be able to communicate their plans, timelines and other information effectively. You should be able to get a good idea of how well they communicate when you first get in touch with them. You will be having some potentially tense conversations with your builder. It is advisable to make sure you are not going to run into hissy fit and tantrums throughout the build.
Trust your instincts
If something doesn’t feel right or if a builder makes you feel uncomfortable for whatever reason, it may be best to find out what your other options are. It’s vital that you’re able to maintain a good working relationship with your builder if your project is to be a success.
Who can help when I need to find a good local builder?
At Kirkwood The Extension Planning Company, we are here for you when you need to find a builder in Essex that you can rely on. We specialise in the full architectural design and planning permission process. We help add value to your home and make it a better place to live.
If you choose to work with us, we can give you the contact details for our vetted builders, tradesman and contractors. All our vetted tradesman are confident working to our detailed architectural drawings which eliminates any confusion. A builder cannot give you an accurate price until the plans are complete. We however can provide you with accurate build costs before we start the plans.
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Step 01
Complete enquiry
form
Our team will call to discuss your project in more detail.
Step 02
We arrange a
Zoom call
Let’s talk about your projects ideas and how much it will cost.
Step 03
We start
designing
Our designs never disappoint and we amend until you’re happy.
Step 04
The final
design stage
Relevant permissions are requested and your final draft is delivered.
Step 05
Sourcing Contractors
If you would like help sourcing reliable builders we can assist.