Choosing a builder is the single biggest decision in any home project. Get it right and the whole thing runs smoothly. Get it wrong and you'll spend months, and a lot of money, putting it right. As a builder ourselves, we'd far rather you asked these questions and chose well, even if you choose someone else. Here are the ten that matter most.
1. Are you a limited company, and are you VAT registered?
A registered limited company that's VAT registered is a sign of an established, accountable business. It's easy to check on Companies House. We're FR Carpentry Ltd, company number 13995813, VAT number 416817782, and we're happy for anyone to verify it.
2. Can I see your insurance?
Any builder working on your home should carry public liability insurance, and employer's liability if they have a team. Ask to see it. A professional won't be offended, they'll expect the question.
3. Can I see recent projects like mine?
Photos are a start, but ask to see work similar to yours, and ideally speak to a past client. A good builder will have happy customers who are glad to talk. You can see a selection of our completed work on our projects page, and our reviews come from real, named Dorset homeowners.
4. Who will actually be on site?
Some firms win the job then subcontract the whole thing to a rotating cast you've never met. Ask who'll be doing the work and who your point of contact is day to day. We keep our team small on purpose, so the person you meet is the person who runs your build.
5. How do you put a quote together?
A one-line price is a red flag. A proper quote is itemised, so you can see what you're paying for and compare like with like. If a number seems far lower than the others, something has usually been left out. We break every quote down by stage.
6. What's the payment schedule?
Be wary of anyone asking for a large sum upfront. A fair builder ties payments to project stages, so you're paying for work as it's completed. Agree this in writing before anything starts.
7. How do you handle planning and building regs?
A good builder guides you through planning permission and building control rather than leaving it on your plate. If they're vague about regulations, that's a worry. We manage the whole process, you can read more about how on our services pages.
8. What's the realistic timeline?
Everyone wants the job done quickly, but an honest timeline beats an optimistic one. Ask how long each stage takes and what could affect it. We give you a clear programme before we start and keep you updated throughout, the homeowners we work with in places like Poole and Christchurch consistently mention our dependable timelines.
9. How will you keep the site tidy and safe?
You're living alongside this work. Ask how they'll protect your home, manage dust and mess, and keep the site safe. A tidy site is the mark of a professional, it's one of the things our clients comment on most.
10. What happens if something goes wrong?
Even on the best projects, things occasionally need fixing. Ask how they handle snagging and what guarantees they offer after handover. A builder who stands behind their work will answer this clearly and confidently.
The questions behind the questions
Notice that most of these aren't really about building at all, they're about communication, honesty and accountability. That's because the difference between a good project and a bad one is rarely the bricklaying. It's whether your builder tells you the truth, turns up when they say they will, and treats your home with respect.
That's the standard we hold ourselves to on every job. If you're planning a project anywhere in Dorset or Hampshire and you'd like a builder who'll answer all ten of these without hesitation, get in touch for a free quote or call Finn on 07808 293854.
Related reading: What to Expect During a Full House Renovation: Week by Week and Do I Need Planning Permission for a Loft Conversion in Dorset?.
