How to Find a Builder for Your Home Project
A complete guide to sourcing, vetting and working with trades
Whether you’re planning a self build, renovation or home extension, finding reliable, skilled trades should be one of your first priorities. Choosing the right team can be the difference between a smooth, enjoyable project and a stressful, expensive one.
This guide walks you through where to find builders, how to compare quotes, what to include in contracts, how to manage scheduling and payments — and ultimately, how to secure the people who will deliver the home you’re dreaming of.
- Where to Look When Trying to Find a Builder
A builder’s reputation is everything — and the quickest route to one is word of mouth.
✓ Start with personal recommendations
Ask neighbours, friends, colleagues and family who they used and whether they’d hire them again. If they had a good experience, that’s often a promising sign.
But don’t rely solely on this — what worked for someone else may not suit your project.
✓ Speak to professionals already linked to your build
Designers, architects, suppliers and even local builders’ merchants are excellent sources of trustworthy contacts.
If you’re using a specific build method (e.g. timber frame), the system provider may recommend trades familiar with it.
Top tip: Visit live building sites. If the work looks neat and organised, ask the homeowner whether they’re happy with their builder. Real-time results speak louder than portfolios.
- How to Request and Compare Quotes
Once you’ve shortlisted potential trades, the next step is to obtain prices — and the quality of your quotes depends heavily on how you brief them.
How to make quoting easier (and more accurate):
- Provide clear drawings
- Give a simple, concise specification
- Share only the information relevant to that trade (a roofer doesn’t need plumbing drawings)
- Ask them to flag missing items and price them separately
This lets you compare quotes line-by-line and reduces hidden extras later.
For self builds, fixed-price quotes are usually straightforward. Renovations may need day rates where unknown conditions exist until walls are opened up.
Aim to collect 2–3 like-for-like quotes per trade.
- Vetting Builders — Due Diligence Checklist
A quote is only meaningful if the trade is capable of delivering what they promise.
Before hiring, make sure to:
| Step | Why it matters |
| Speak to past clients (not relatives) | Honest feedback on quality and reliability |
| Visit a current site | A tidy, organised site often reflects professional standards |
| Perform a credit check | Reduces risk if you’re paying large sums |
| Confirm insurance | Ask for proof + ensure you also hold your own cover |
| Check availability | Good builders are often booked in advance |
| Ask who they subcontract to | Know exactly who will be working on your property |
- Who Should Source Materials — You or the Builder?
If using a main contractor
They’ll typically supply materials and manage delivery logistics.
Expect a markup — it’s part of the service — but trades often have merchant discounts that balance the cost.
If self-managing
You may wish to source big-ticket items yourself:
- Windows & glazed doors
- MVHR or heating systems
- Timber/oak frame kits
- Specialist finishes
But remember — a cheaper product is only a saving if it arrives when needed. Check lead times and supplier reputation.
Important VAT note:
Self-sourced materials are charged at 20% VAT, even if your build qualifies for 0% or 5% installation rates.
VAT reclaims must be submitted within six months of completion.
- Scheduling Trades & Managing Workflow
A build lives or dies by timing.
A schedule must show what happens, when, and in what order.
You can:
- Ask your contractor to produce it
- Build one yourself using Excel or a scheduling app (TeamGantt is popular)
- Use the Build It Estimating Service for a pre-formatted programme to refine with trades
Include lead times for materials, trade start dates, inspection points, and contingency space for delays.
Missing a slot for a plasterer or window installer could delay your build by weeks.
- Ensuring Quality During Construction
Before work begins, define what good looks like:
- Include quality expectations in the brief
- Add photos of finishes you expect
During the build:
- Visit the site regularly
- Photograph progress (great for records & future reference)
- Raise concerns politely and early
Small issues caught early prevent costly rework later.
- Yes — You Need a Contract
Never rely on goodwill alone.
A contract should cover:
- Scope of work
- Cost & payment terms
- Timescales
- Variation process
- Insurances
- Dispute resolution
- Paying Builders & Managing Cashflow
Healthy relationships rely on fair, timely payment.
- Pay for completed work, not ahead of it
- Review invoices carefully before releasing funds
- Keep a finance schedule that matches build stages to available money or mortgage releases
Cashflow issues are one of the fastest ways for a build to stall or relationships to break down.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right builder is part research, part planning, and part gut instinct. With clarity, structure and good communication, you can build a team you trust — and a home you’ll love.
Let NABC help find you trusted builders