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Questions to ask a builder before you hire

Good builders welcome questions, because clear answers prevent arguments later. Use this list at your first meeting and again before you sign. Write the answers down, since a promise only counts if it is in writing.

We do not vet or guarantee any builder, so these questions are your main protection. For a wider checklist, see our guide to finding a tradesman you can trust.

Who they are

1. Are you insured, and can I see the certificate?

A builder should have public liability insurance. Ask to see the certificate and check the dates. The cover should suit the size of your project, because a small policy will not cover a large mistake.

2. Can you give me references from recent jobs?

Ask for two or three past customers with similar work. Then call them, because a reference only helps if you use it. Ask whether the job finished on time, on budget and tidily.

3. Can I see finished work?

Photos help, but a visit is better. A builder who is proud of the work will usually arrange it.

4. Who will do the work?

Ask whether the builder uses employees or subcontractors. Both are normal, although you need to know who will be in your home, and who is in charge each day.

The quote and the money

5. Will you give me a detailed written quote?

An estimate is a guess, while a quote is a fixed price for defined work. Ask for the scope, the materials, the total and what it leaves out. A short quote on one page is a warning sign for a big job.

6. What could cost extra?

Hidden extras are the most common cause of disputes. Ask about provisional sums, which are placeholders for costs not yet known. Ask who pays if the builder finds a problem behind a wall.

7. What is the payment schedule?

Keep deposits small, and pay in stages tied to finished work. Never pay in full before the job starts. Ask for the schedule in writing, because it protects both sides.

8. How will you handle changes?

Changes happen on most projects. Agree that every change is priced and signed off before the work starts. This prevents surprises, because the final bill then matches what you approved.

Time and rules

9. When can you start, and how long will it take?

A busy builder may have a wait, which can be a good sign. Be wary of someone who can start tomorrow and finish quickly. Ask what happens if the job overruns.

10. Do you have the right registrations?

Membership of the Federation of Master Builders or TrustMark is common. Check it yourself on the scheme’s website. For gas and electrical work, ask who will do it and how they will certify it.

11. Who handles planning and building control?

Many projects need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. In Scotland you may need a building warrant. Ask who applies, who pays and who arranges the inspections.

12. Do you need a party wall agreement?

In England and Wales, building near a shared wall can fall under the Party Wall Act. Ask your builder, and speak to your neighbours early.

After the work

13. What guarantee do you offer?

Ask what the guarantee covers, how long it lasts and who stands behind it. Get it in writing, because a promise from a one-person firm is only as good as that firm.

14. Who is my contact each day?

Agree one person and one way to reach them. Good communication solves many problems before they grow.

15. How will you protect my home and clean up?

Ask about dust sheets, waste removal and working hours. A good builder has a clear answer and respects your home.

Builders by city

Compare quotes from builders in your city.

Keep reading and compare quotes

Each city page covers prices, how to choose and how to get free quotes in that area. You can also start from our builders page.

Read Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Rated People to compare the quote sites, and how to read tradesperson reviews before you shortlist anyone.

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask a builder first?

Ask about insurance and references first. If those answers are weak, you can stop there. Then move on to the quote and the payment plan.

Should I pay a deposit?

A small deposit is normal, but a large one is a risk. Tie later payments to stages of finished work.

How do I compare builder quotes?

Compare the scope, the materials and the exclusions, not only the total. Read our article on builder quotes explained for a closer look.

Written by the Trusted Tradesmen Quotes team. Last updated 9 October 2026.