New Build: Choosing a builder, key Criteria?

Msmaloney26

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice and recommendations on what to be looking for when selecting a builder. (New build, wish to use contractor rather than direct labour).
Budget/cost is obviously going to be a huge factor in any project, but what is the deciding factor for most in their selection? looking for those who have been there, done that and from those who may work in the industry, what do they recommend.

Again many thanks for any input.


MODS: apologies if topic has been covered before, ran a search and could not locate subject previously.

AckwelFoley

simple.


Reputation


Ask him to show you houses hes completed and take a look - talk to the owners etc.

pseudo-tech

Msmaloney26 wrote: »

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice and recommendations on what to be looking for when selecting a builder. (New build, wish to use contractor rather than direct labour).
Budget/cost is obviously going to be a huge factor in any project, but what is the deciding factor for most in their selection? looking for those who have been there, done that and from those who may work in the industry, what do they recommend.

Again many thanks for any input.


MODS: apologies if topic has been covered before, ran a search and could not locate subject previously.

Talk to as many other people who have completed projects in your area and ask them would they use the contractor again. Ask them about after sales service (once the contractor receives his final payment).

For domestic sized projects i always like to to use a contractor who works on one project at a time and works on the job themselves. Not driving around in their SUV organising a week's golf in Portugal.

Don't always go for the cheapest. You will more than likely get your fingers burned. It don't matter how much supervision you have, if the trades people are not right they are not capable.

You want someone you can work with. I will always recommend clients to employ someone that they can form a good relationship with because you will achieve a better finish. If there is going to be a row, its mine to have and not the client.

Take on board the recommendation of your Architect/ Engineer. Then ask your Architect/ Engineer would they personally use them.

DOCARCH

In addition to the above good advice, one very important factor these days is making sure the builder is solvent/unlikely to go bust!

Also make sure that if the contrcator/main man will not be on site all the time - ensure that he has a competant foreman who will be on site at all times.

De_man

as above, don't necessarily go for the cheapest....if you have appointed an architect / engineer take onboard their recommendations afterall they or should have a lot of experience dealing with the trades

it'll safe you a packet in financial terms and the sleepless nights

it's a great experience getting your own home built, try to enjoy it

best of luck

Mrs Smith

We met about ten or twelve builders and got as many prices for our build. The contractor that we went with in the end was the cheapest, but after we carried out so much checking on him and previous builds and his reputation we were glad to run with him.
Build going on since Jan 12 and we have no complaints. We have an excellent architect who is working well with contractor and as well as that our contractor is registered with Home Bond also- some contractors are registered for one-off houses and it is important to ask this when interviewing builders.
Look for someone who is long established, our builder is over thirty years in the trade on his own account.
Also make sure that they will be on site and properly involved in your build.
It is important that you can get along with the builder, but remember he/she is not there to be your friend either.

mr_edge_to_you

Hey,

we're just waiting for quotes to come back from builders before we kick off in the summer. My advice would be to make sure you get all your quotes based on the same information (desired specification). Unless you specify the same requirements to each builder it will be difficult to compare quotations with each other when they come in.

Best of luck!
D