Blog post three
Choosing the right builder can make or break your construction project. A skilled, trustworthy professional brings your vision to life, keeps your project on track, and sticks to the quote given. But the wrong one? Missed deadlines, budget blowouts, and half-finished work.
At Artifex Homes, we’ve seen firsthand how choosing the right builder sets the tone for the entire project. Whether you’re renovating your home, adding an extension or building a home from scratch, here’s a straightforward guide to making the right choice—before you sign a contract!
Ask for a recommendation from a friend or family member
Word-of-mouth referrals are still one of the most reliable ways to find a good builder. If someone you trust had a positive experience with a contractor, it’s a strong endorsement. Ask your friends, family, or colleagues:
Was the project completed on time and within budget?
Was the builder easy to communicate with?
Did any issues arise—and how were they handled?
People are usually honest when it comes to big home decisions. Even if their project was different from yours, their experience can highlight red flags or reassure you about a builder’s reliability.
Do your research about the company
Don’t rely on a logo and a polished Instagram feed—dig deeper. Research the builder’s background, credentials, and track record:
Check their website: Look for case studies, client testimonials, and look at their previous projects, is it updated regularly?
Review sites: Look at Google reviews, Houzz, Trustpilot and any other platforms they may be on.
Trade memberships: Are they part of a reputable body like the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), TrustMark, Considerate Construction or ?Which Trusted Trades?
Also, a good tip is to Google their business name with words like “complaint” or “court” to check for any legal issues or disputes.
A trustworthy company won’t hide their history—in fact, they’ll be proud to show you.
Ask for a detailed quotation
Once you’ve shortlisted a few builders, the next step is to request a detailed written quote—not just a rough estimate. This should show:
Labour and material costs
Timeline for the project
Payment schedule
VAT inclusion
Any potential extra charges (e.g., for unforeseen work)
Any provisional costs should clearly be displayed
A vague or overly brief quote is a red flag. You need transparency up front to avoid unpleasant surprises later. If one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, dig into the details—it could be that corners are being cut, or key items are missing.
At Artifex Homes, we provide detailed quotations with clear timelines so our clients know exactly what to expect from day one.
Ensure a contract is in place
A contract isn’t just paperwork—it’s your protection. Insist on a formal written contract before the project starts that covers:
Scope of work
Timeline and milestones
Payment terms
Dispute resolution process
Responsibilities (e.g., site access, clean-up, waste removal)
If a builder is reluctant to work under a contract, walk away. The contract protects both parties and ensures everyone is clear on expectations.
At Artifex Homes, we issue contracts tailored to your specific project, we can use our own contract produced by a local legal company in Welwyn Garden City, or if you prefer we can use a JCT contract.
Check the Insurance
Accidents happen—even on the best-managed building sites. That’s why checking insurance is non-negotiable. Your builder should have:
Public liability insurance (to cover injury or property damage)
Employer’s liability insurance (if they have staff)
Contract works insurance (for damage to the building work itself) can be held by the builder, the client, or both, depending on the project setup and contract.
Don’t just take their word for it—ask to see certificates and check expiry dates. It’s also worth confirming what your own home insurance covers during the project.
A reputable builder will be happy to provide this information upfront.
See previous projects
Nothing builds confidence like seeing real, finished work. Ask to view:
A recently completed project, ideally where you can also speak to the homeowners.
And a current project that is in progress, again ideally where you can speak to the homeowners - You’ll learn a lot just by observing how tidy, professional, and well-managed the area is.
At Artifex Homes, we’re proud to showcase our portfolio—because our work speaks for itself.
Speak to both current and previous clients
Finally, one of the most powerful checks you can do: talk to past clients. A reputable builder will be happy to provide references. When you speak to them, ask:
What kind of work was done?
Did the builder stick to the schedule and budget?
Were they communicative and professional?
Would you hire them again?
It’s also valuable to speak to a current client, if possible. You’ll get a sense of how the builder handles live projects—how responsive they are, how they manage issues, and how they treat people.
In summary choosing the right builder isn’t just about price or availability—it’s about trust, transparency, and the confidence that your home is in good hands.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you make the right decision:
Ask for personal recommendations
Get a detailed, itemised quotation
Research their background, reviews, and trade associations
Insist on a formal contract
Confirm insurance coverage
Review past work and ask to visit a site
Speak directly to both past and current clients
Taking these steps up front can save you stress, money, and heartache down the line.
At Artifex Homes, we’re committed to delivering craftsmanship, clarity, and care with every project. If you’re planning a construction project, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to offer advice, even if you're still weighing your options.
