Selecting the right builder
Ensuring your home improvements comply with Building Regulations is your responsibility. Selecting a competent builder helps ensure this. To avoid choosing a poor quality builder you should:
- get a plan of the work to be done
- get the right consents and permissions
- ask friends and family for recommendations
- ask to see previous and ongoing work
- get at least 3 quotations
- obtain a written contract
- ensure they have the right insurances in place
- not pay in advance
- agree to pay final settlement upon receipt of the building control completion certificate
Further advice to help select the best builder for the job is available from the No Rogue Traders Here scheme, which aims to promote reliable traders. You should also choose a builder that is a member of reputable trade organisation such as:
- The Federation of Master Builders
- Trustmark
- The National Federation of Builders
- The National Federation of Roofers
- The Chartered Institute of Building
Find a registered electrician
View a register of electricians belonging to the various competent person schemes.
Other permissions needed
In some cases, other authorisation will be needed before work starts. Advice on what other permission may be needed is available at the Planning Portal, and for you it may include seeking approval for: