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How-ToUpdated May 2026By TradeMatch Editorial Team·21 December 2025·Updated 12 April 2026·7 min read
How to Choose a Builder: 8 Essential Checks Before You Hire
Choosing the right builder is the single most important decision in any building project. A bad choice can cost you thousands. Here are 8 essential checks to make before hiring.
The 8 Essential Checks
1. Check trade body membership — Federation of Master Builders (FMB), NHBC or equivalent
2. Verify insurance — Public liability insurance (minimum £2 million for building work) and employer's liability if they have staff
3. Ask for references — At least 2–3 recent projects similar in scope to yours. Visit if possible.
4. Get a detailed written quote — Not an estimate. The quote should itemise labour, materials, timeline and payment schedule.
5. Check Companies House — Verify they are a registered business
6. Review their portfolio — Photos of completed work, ideally with before/after
7. Agree a payment schedule — Never pay more than 10–15% upfront. Stage payments tied to milestones.
8. Check reviews online — TradeMatch shows verified homeowner reviews you can trust
Red Flags to Watch For
- Demands large upfront payment (over 20%)
- No written quote or contract
- Cannot provide insurance or registration details
- Pushes to start immediately without a proper quote
- Only reachable by mobile, no business address
- Significantly cheaper than all other quotes
- Vague about timelines and milestones
Why Use TradeMatch?
On TradeMatch, every builder is vetted, background-checked and reviewed by real homeowners. We verify insurance, qualifications and trade body membership before any builder can quote on your project. With escrow-protected payments, your money is held securely until you approve the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hire the cheapest builder?
Not necessarily. If one quote is significantly lower than others, it may indicate the builder is cutting corners, underquoting to win the job, or not including everything. Compare the scope of each quote carefully and check reviews.
What should a building contract include?
A building contract should include: detailed scope of work, total cost with payment schedule, start and completion dates, warranty terms, insurance details, process for variations, and conditions for dispute resolution.
Need a professional?
Get free, no-obligation quotes from vetted tradespeople on TradeMatch.