There are many small builders, and unless you happen to have a solid recommendation, it can be a challenge choosing a contractor for a new build or an extension. Obviously, it pays to ask several local companies to quote for the project, and with that in mind, here are a few question to ask when talking to local builders about your project.
- How Long Have you Been in Business? Ideally, you want a builder who has experience, at least 5 years, and any builder in Norwich would have some references you could check out, and visiting one of their previous projects will give you a clear idea of what to expect.
- What Kind of Warranty do you Offer? Any reputable builder would guarantee their work for ten years, and anything less isn’t acceptable. Some offer 15-20 years, which is a reflection of their confidence.
- Are you a Member of any Building Federations? If the builder is established, he would be a member of one or more building institutions, who have very high standards, and this is a clear indication of the quality of their work.
- Can you Work to My Budget? The sign of a good builder is one that understands the reality of things and can finish the project to budget, with no hidden extras. Some contractors would recommend using cheaper materials, but this should be avoided, as there will be consequences at a later date, and the builder would do his best to meet your budget without compromising on quality.
By asking several local builders to quote for the project, you will get a cross section of prices, and go with your gut feeling when it comes to making a decision.