Builder Due Diligence

Tfl

I’m currently in the process of getting quotes for a house extension. A few builders have visited and are going to put together their quotes. I have some first or second hand recommendations for them already.

What extra checks do people normally do once they have the quotes back before making a decision.

I’m thinking of asking each of them for proof of insurance (public liability, employers’s liability etc.) and an additional reference.

Once I’ve got that information, I’ll talk through any remaining questions with the preferred contractor.

Is that a sensible approach?
Anything else to check?

Thanks!

pramsay13

That sounds like a bit much.
Normally you would get your quotes and decide on your preferred contractor.
Then you can ask them what insurance they have, reference etc.
Assuming all is well you then organise job.
If anything comes back that concerns you you go to the next one on the list.

ceredigion

Tfl wrote: »

I’m currently in the process of getting quotes for a house extension. A few builders have visited and are going to put together their quotes. I have some first or second hand recommendations for them already.

What extra checks do people normally do once they have the quotes back before making a decision.

I’m thinking of asking each of them for proof of insurance (public liability, employers’s liability etc.) and an additional reference.

Once I’ve got that information, I’ll talk through any remaining questions with the preferred contractor.

Is that a sensible approach?
Anything else to check?

Thanks!

That gets my back up straight away. Question are you insured ? Answer, yes that's not a problem, fully insured ,anything beyond that suggests that you don't believe me and are questioning my integrity . Just remember as much as you are exercising due diligence in hiring a builder ,the builder is doing the same to you . If you come across as a potential pain in the butt ,I will walk away.

bris

ceredigion wrote: »

That gets my back up straight away. Question are you insured ? Answer, yes that's not a problem, fully insured ,anything beyond that suggests that you don't believe me and are questioning my integrity .

Well you can take your integrity out the door with you.


One of the most important things anyone should do is get proof of public liability insurance, you would be mad not to. Now if the builder took that as an insult then I would move to the next one.


I would have no problem showing customers my insurance and in no way take it as an insult to do so.

comeandgo

Are they ltd companies? You can check their financial state in their last set of accounts. Go to https://www.beta.companieshouse.gov.uk

Tfl

Thanks. One was ltd and I did check there.

Definitely will ask for proof of insurance before I use a contractor, and would assume most people would be happy to provide that.

Sounds like it should be done once I have selected one.

snowcat75

ceredigion wrote: »

That gets my back up straight away. Question are you insured ? Answer, yes that's not a problem, fully insured ,anything beyond that suggests that you don't believe me and are questioning my integrity . Just remember as much as you are exercising due diligence in hiring a builder ,the builder is doing the same to you . If you come across as a potential pain in the butt ,I will walk away.

Would you also say the same if your asked to fill in and sign a risk assessment?, should be no issues in providing very basic pieces of paperwork...

Mistral001

Do not underestimate the value of recommendations from friends and neighbours.

snowcat75

Tfl wrote: »

I’m currently in the process of getting quotes for a house extension. A few builders have visited and are going to put together their quotes. I have some first or second hand recommendations for them already.

What extra checks do people normally do once they have the quotes back before making a decision.

I’m thinking of asking each of them for proof of insurance (public liability, employers’s liability etc.) and an additional reference.

Once I’ve got that information, I’ll talk through any remaining questions with the preferred contractor.

Is that a sensible approach?
Anything else to check?

Thanks!

remember recommendations are not the be all and end all your standard and expectations may be very different to the last customer.

Also make sure the quotes are detailed, list expected estimated timescales and timings of payments, Also have it writing that the final payment will be held for a minimum of 28 days or until the final snagging list is compete...

Personally I would as iv seen the fall out too many times draw a basic formal contract up this protects both builder and client.


Asking for things like PL insurance is prudent...…. and never pay in cash unless it receipted properly.... Get any extras priced in writing before allowing it to be continued... and trust your gut, never act desperate for the builder there's plenty out there, and once there on the job meet daily to make sure you get the job you want...…


Ohh and if there doing something blatantly wrong or dangerous don't be afraid to say so...

scumboss

Agreed. It was one of the first things I asked for. I phoned my insurance company and explained I’ll be having major works. Their response was if anything is damaged because of the builder don’t claim through us but the builder’s insurance.

Builder emailed me a copy without batting an eyelid.

Mistral001

Above all treat all the builders who quote with respect. Even for an extension, builders can spend a lot of time preparing a quotation. The good ones will anyway. Some will pay outside estimators to work out the quantities to enable them to give an accurate quotation.

Also as has been said, it is a two-way process. Builders will be assessing you as a prospective customer just as much as you will be assessing them as builders.