Anyone can call themselves a builder. Here is how to tell the good from the risky, and the questions that separate them.
Here is a fact that surprises most people: there is no legal licence to be a builder in the UK. Research in 2025 found that almost half of adults wrongly believe builders are licensed. They are not, which means the job of checking falls to you. The good news is that the signs of a good builder are easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Look for real accreditation
- A recognised trade body (for example TrustMark). Members are independently inspected and vetted.
- TrustMark. The government-endorsed quality scheme.
- Fully insured. Ask to see their public liability insurance.
- An established company. Check them on Companies House, and how long they have been trading.
Ask for proof, and speak to past clients
A good builder is proud of their work. Ask to see recent projects like yours, and to speak to a past client or two. If you can, visit a finished job. A reluctance to provide any of this is telling.
Get everything in writing
You want a detailed, itemised quote and specification, not a vague one-line estimate, plus a written contract (a JCT contract is the standard), a clear payment schedule tied to progress, and a programme of works. Everything agreed, on paper, before anyone starts.
The red flags
- Pressure to decide quickly, or a "today only" price.
- A demand for a large deposit, or cash only.
- No written contract or specification.
- A quote far below all the others (it usually means something is missing).
- No proper address, company details or references.
Get three quotes, and compare properly
Aim for three quotes; you may need to approach five firms to get them, as good builders are busy. Compare like for like on specification, not just the bottom line. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value, and often the most expensive by the end.
Questions worth asking
- Are you accredited and fully insured?
- Can I see similar projects and speak to past clients?
- Exactly what is included, and what is not?
- How do payments work, and what deposit do you ask for?
- Who will be my point of contact, and what is the programme?
- What guarantee do you offer on the work?
How we measure up
For the record: we are fully insured, established since 2014 and award-winning. You get one point of contact, clear costing and a proper contract, and we are always happy to share references and show you our work. That is exactly what you should expect from anyone you hire.
General guidance for 2026. Always carry out your own checks before appointing any contractor.