The first meeting with a builder is your chance to test whether they are right for the job. Print this list, take it to the meeting and note the answers. Good builders will welcome the questions.
About the company
- How long have you been trading, and what is your company or trading name? You can check registered companies at Companies House.
- Have you built projects like mine? Ask for similar examples, ideally nearby.
- Can I speak to recent clients or visit a finished job? References are one of the best signals.
- Who will actually do the work: employees or subcontractors? And who will be my day-to-day contact?
- What accreditations or trade body memberships do you hold? Verify them directly.
Insurance and safety
- What insurance do you have? Ask for public liability, employers' liability where relevant, and evidence of the certificates.
- Who insures the works and my property during the build?
- How do you manage safety, site security and protection for my home?
The price
- Is your price fixed or an estimate?
- What is included and excluded? Look for provisional sums and VAT. See how to compare builder quotes.
- How do you price variations?
- What contingency would you recommend?
Payment and paperwork
- How much deposit do you ask for, and what are the stage payments? See builder contracts and stage payments.
- Will we sign a written contract?
- Who applies for building regulations and arranges inspections? See building regulations for extensions.
- Do I need planning permission or a party wall agreement, and who handles them? See planning permission and party wall agreements.
Programme and communication
- When can you start, and how long will it take? Compare with our timeline guide.
- How will you keep me updated? Weekly updates, photos and a named contact are a good sign.
- How do you deal with delays, bad weather or unexpected problems?
After the job
- What guarantees do you offer, and what happens if there is a defect?
Signs of a good answer
- Direct, specific and consistent answers
- Willingness to put things in writing
- Honest explanation of risks and unknowns
- No pressure to sign or pay quickly
Signs of a poor answer
- Vague answers about insurance or who does the work
- Cash-only deals or requests for large payments
- No written contract
- Suggestion that building control or approvals are "not needed"
For more guidance, read 10 essential tips for choosing the right builder.
Ask us anything
We are happy to answer all twenty. Abron Contracting has over 15 years' experience in construction. Contact us or call 01633379170 to arrange a site visit.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a builder before hiring?
Ask about experience, references, insurance, price and what is included, payment terms, contract, approvals, programme and guarantees.
How do I check a builder's insurance?
Ask to see current certificates and check the cover amount and dates.
Should a builder visit before quoting?
Yes. A proper quote needs a site visit and drawings or a clear brief.
How do I know if a builder is reliable?
Check references, see previous work, read reviews, confirm insurance and judge how clearly they communicate.
Can I ask for a fixed price?
Yes, once the design and specification are fixed. Anything not yet chosen should be a provisional sum.
