How to find a decent builder?

stormCat99

Hello,

We've found a property we're interested in, it would need some walls knocking down and an extension adding. Before even considering putting in an offer, we want to get some indication of costs involved/feasibility/etc.

Ideally I'd get a recommendation from someone we know who has used a builder, but we don't actually know anyone in this area that has used a builder at all recently.

So, are there any websites which might help me with this? I could just look on yell.com but ideally want a bit more info to go on when picking who to call. Can anyone help suggest anything?

Many thanks.

staffie1

Most councils have a section on their website where local tradesmen have feedback left by customers - comes under the Trading Standards section on our local council. Don't rely on yellow pages or newspaper adverts - try to go on some sort of recommendation if you can.

sujman

You'll be lucky if you find a builder who'll spend more than 5 mins giving you a rough ball park figure. After all, you're asking him to spend time quoting / estimating on a job for a house that you don't even own yet!!

Having said that, you can find builders on the FMB website (www.fmb.org.uk/). Use the find a builder function and you can further filter by Masterbond, Trustmark etc.

As for feasibility, people will tell you almost anything is possible, given enough time and money.

There may be restrictions that planning or buildings could impose but you cant expect a builder to know that in advance.

For costs, use the Board In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving for more advice.

Off the top of my head, use £1,000+ for knocking down walls and circa £1,000 per sq mtr (footprint) for extensions costs - build only (twice as much for double story).

1echidna

We are in a similar position and found what we think is a good builder. We viewed a new bungalow (which ultimately we decided was a little small) built by a small independent builder. We were very impressed by the standard of finish and the agent said he was very flexible in doing any modifications to suit our particular needs. We got the agent to pass on our details to him and ask him to contact us if he was interested in helping us with determining feasibility and an estimate on another property we are very interested in but needed some modifications/extension. He did contact us and was interested in doing this kind of work and visited the property with us to discuss the work. He was very professional and friendly and we have quite a lot of confidence in him. Maybe a long shot but in viewing other houses did you see recent building work that you admired and could backtrack to get details of who did it?

elliebobs

I see that your'e in Lancashire; so am I and know of a great builder in the Chorley area. Don't know if that's any use to you. PM me if you want the details.

Ellie

stolt

hi, i found https://www.myhammer.co.uk and https://www.mybuilder.co.uk. you can describe your job and different tradesmen will pitch for your work some will give an idea of figures if you ask.

thriftymomma

Get them round and have a chat, a good few. Ask them what they will do for your money. You call the shots at the end of the day.

stormCat99

Thank you so much for all the replies.

I've just looked on the council's web site, but I've searched everywhere and can't find any builder info, so I've called them and have a left a voicemail and hopefully they'll call me back.

I'll have a look at the websites that have been mentioned now.

1echidna - I initially thought no, I don't know anyone nearby that has had work done. But then suddenly remembered a house down the road that has had similar work done. I don't know them, but I suppose I could always knock on the door and ask, hopefully they wouldn't mind? So thank you, that is a good idea.

I realise it is only a quote at this stage, so really am only expecting a very ball-park figure. If it comes tens of thousands out, then we will know there i no point taking things further with the house. But if it is reasonable, we will know we can proceed. I really couldn't put an offer in on a house that needed extensive work, without any idea at all of the costs involved.

Thanks again everyone, I've a few good ideas to go on now

stormCat99

elliebobs wrote: »

I see that your'e in Lancashire; so am I and know of a great builder in the Chorley area. Don't know if that's any use to you. PM me if you want the details.

Ellie

ellibobs - we're in Garstang so I'm not sure whether a Chorley builder would come that far? I will see if I can find some, but if not I may well come back and take you up on your kind offer if that's ok :beer:

elliebobs

No problem; Garstang isn't that far away but I know that he is pretty busy so can afford to turn work down at the mo.

good luck with your search anyway and don't hesitate to come back to me if you need the details.