Advice / Guide
How to Choose a Builder in Birmingham
Choosing a builder involves more than finding a website you like or receiving the lowest figure. You need to understand who you would be appointing, the work they propose to carry out and how the agreement would be recorded.
Use these questions to organise your conversations with building companies in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
01
Establish who you would be appointing
Ask for the trading and legal business details, the contact responsible for your enquiry and the proposed contracting party.
A portfolio can include different kinds of experience. Ask whether a project was delivered by the current business or represents the previous experience of an individual, and what role was performed.
02
Ask about relevant work
Look for experience related to your actual proposal. A photograph alone does not explain the construction scope, responsibilities or outcome.
Ask whether relevant references or project information can be provided with the appropriate permissions. Do not infer every service from an attractive finished room.
03
Give builders a comparable brief
Supply the same available drawings, priorities and scope information when seeking proposals. Explain which items are undecided or will be supplied by you.
Citizens Advice recommends obtaining written quotes from at least three traders before deciding. Compare what those quotes cover, not simply the totals.
04
Check insurance and responsibilities
Citizens Advice recommends checking both your own and the trader’s insurance. Ask what documentation is relevant to the proposed work and confirm any questions with the appropriate insurer or adviser.
Also clarify who handles design, professional advice, approvals and the building scope. Do not assume a broad service label assigns every responsibility.
05
Put the agreement in writing
Citizens Advice advises a written contract covering the work and agreed arrangements, including timing, materials and payments.
Discuss how changes will be agreed and recorded. If an important point is missing, resolve it before treating the conversation as a complete agreement.
06
Ask us the same questions
Blue Curve Build is a Birmingham-based building company trading through BLUECURVE BUILD LTD, company number 16091949. Tell us about the work you are considering and the information you need to assess whether we are a suitable fit.
Sources
General guidance for homeowners in England. Check requirements for your own property with the relevant authority or adviser.
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