If you were spending £10,000 on a new car, you’d visit several garages, take some test drives, choose a car and make sure it worked and that it had a warranty so that you could bring it back to the garage if anything went wrong. But many people seem quite happy to spend £10,000 on building work without getting comparative quotes, having written details of the work, or signing a basic builder contract. This is dangerous because it leaves you with little or no come-back should anything go wrong during or after your project.

Once you have decided on your building project, you will need to hire a builder. Choose at least three builders to come and look at your project plans, so that they can all quote on the same basis. Ask for a detailed, written quotation. Reputable builders will be happy to give you this, because it also helps them to be clear about what’s expected of them and what they have committed to. When you have chosen the builder, ask them to sign a builder contract. This commits both you and your builder to completing the project and gives you a basis for dispute resolution should anything go wrong.

What is a builder contract?

A builder contract is basically a form that sets out the jobs that you have agreed with the builder. It sets each job out in detail, along with a price and payment schedule, so that you are both aware of your responsibilities. Once you have both signed the contract, you each keep a copy of the document so that you can keep track of the project. Any changes to the builder contract need to be discussed and agreed with both parties before being added to the contract, and written additions should then be signed separately by both you and your builder.

Where can I get a builder contract?

If your builder is a member of a professional association, such as the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), then they should be able to get a blank builder contract that you can fill in between you and sign when you are satisfied. Your builder may be used to signing this sort of contract with clients and will be able to explain how it works and the benefits it gives to both parties. Alternatively, you could approach the professional bodies yourself and ask for a copy of a blank contract. Even if your chosen builder is not a member of any of these bodies, you should still ask them to sign a builder contract. It will give you peace of mind and make it easier for you and your builder to work together during your project.

The first step in your project is to hire the right builder. Use www.findalocal-builder.co.uk to get a list of builders in your area, and then look at our other advice articles to see how to make sure you choose the best builder for you.