How to Choose a Builder: 8 Essential Checks Before You Hire
Choosing the right builder is the single most important decision in any building project. A bad choice can cost you thousands. Here are 8 essential checks to make before hiring.
The 8 Essential Checks
1. Check trade body membership — Federation of Master Builders (FMB), NHBC or equivalent
2. Verify insurance — Public liability insurance (minimum £2 million for building work) and employer's liability if they have staff
3. Ask for references — At least 2–3 recent projects similar in scope to yours. Visit if possible.
4. Get a detailed written quote — Not an estimate. The quote should itemise labour, materials, timeline and payment schedule.
5. Check Companies House — Verify they are a registered business
6. Review their portfolio — Photos of completed work, ideally with before/after
7. Agree a payment schedule — Never pay more than 10–15% upfront. Stage payments tied to milestones.
8. Check reviews online — TradeMatch shows verified homeowner reviews you can trust
Red Flags to Watch For
- Demands large upfront payment (over 20%)
- No written quote or contract
- Cannot provide insurance or registration details
- Pushes to start immediately without a proper quote
- Only reachable by mobile, no business address
- Significantly cheaper than all other quotes
- Vague about timelines and milestones
Why Use TradeMatch?
On TradeMatch, every builder is vetted, background-checked and reviewed by real homeowners. We verify insurance, qualifications and trade body membership before any builder can quote on your project. With escrow-protected payments, your money is held securely until you approve the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire the cheapest builder?
What should a building contract include?
Need a professional?
Get free, no-obligation quotes from vetted tradespeople on TradeMatch.