Builder for Self Build

[Jack757]

We are going to demolish a bungalow to replace with a new build. We like a builder we have been in touch with and seen previous work and spoke to owners of new build, which we are more than happy with.

My only concern is that his company is not listed on federation of master builders site, which I got advised at a recent building show they should be.

Advice please. If not really a requirement, how do I protect myself, the house etc and know we are using the right company. Thank you.

[Gus Potter]

The FMB is a trade association, by subscription. Make of that what you like. 

 

This is good you have seen other work, but check that was not for a relative. Check Face book and other social media for suspicious connections.

 

Don't assume all builders are there to rip you off, many are good honest hard working folk. Just browse and if there is a rat you'll likely smell it. A fatal mistake here is to fall under the builders "charm".. you like them but don't want to uncover bad news. Be brave and grasp the nettle. You don't have to tell them you have checked them out!

 

If you struggle on social media then get say your kids , nieces and nephews etc to check this stuff for you, they will do it in a fraction of the time!

 

Do more due dilligence. Check companies house if they are limited. See what other links the directors have. 

 

If not limited then this can be an advantage. If something goes horribly wrong then sometimes you can chase the builders own personal assets. Check to see where they live, go to the land registry and see if they own the home (in Scotland this cost me £3.00) and how big their mortgage is. Check to see if they hold it in joint names. You can't chase easily (and nor would you probalby I hope) if the house is in joint names and you end up putting a family out their home. 

 

If vat registered then you can check their registration. If not vat registered then you need to ask them why. If their turnover is that low then how do they build houses? 

 

Once you have done this kind of due dilligence then you need to sort out a contract that is fair to all parties. 

 

To finish on a light note. I have posted this kind of stuff before. Last year a Client engaged me and told me they had followed my advice and done the full due dilligence on myself! I thought... well at least I passed and if you want to dish it out then expect the same in return!

 

 

 

 

[saveasteading]

9 hours ago, Gus Potter said:

FMB is a trade association, by subscription

I won't criticise but it is not high on my list of good signs. I assume that the exhibition advice was from FMB or a builder who is in it.

The best sign is a long existence and dozens of reference projects. Any such would walk into FMB membership but probably don't want to.

 

[gamestrolley]

Make sure they have current insurance. Also make sure you have insurance. 
also check out where they live, type of house and vechiles they drive. If they and all their family drive likes of defenders they are taking to much money out of the business and you could be in trouble half way through your projects. 
speak to their sub contractors to make sure they are getting paid by the main contractors. 

[Mr Punter]

The only concern with FMB would be if they were claiming to be members but were not.  You have done decent research.  Did you get 3 quotes?  If not, make some calls.  It is going to cost you a lot of money, so make sure you choose someone who is good and you get along with.  You don't need to be mates, but there may be potential differences that will need resolving.