654,273 Home Builders

Why not build you own house with the help of builders?

Builders can be employed to handle a wide range of projects; from knocking down a partition wall to building a kitchen extension, but you’ll certainly need the help of a trusted house builder if you plan to build your own home from the ground up. But why would you take on such a task?

The trouble with buying a resale property is that there is usually something that you don’t like. Perhaps the garden is too small, the kitchen is too far away from the lounge to chat while you cook, or energy efficiency is a pipe dream. To make structural changes might be either impossible or prohibitively expensive. And house prices continue to rise across the UK – by as much as six per cent a year – making it increasingly difficult to find a bargain that suits. So what’s the answer? Build your own house, or self-build as it is commonly known.

This may seem like a daunting task, and admittedly, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But with extensive research, trusted builders, detailed budgeting and good judgement you might soon be sitting in the house of your dreams, at a snip of the cost.

How to find builders for your building project

Your architect’s plans will serve as clear instructions to your builder and, if the former has done their job well, you should also avoid any nasty surprises with the local council. Finding the right builder need not be a long or difficult process. Personal recommendations aside, a good place to start is the Home Builders category of the Find a Pro section on Houzz, where you can see their previous work and ask questions.

Compile a shortlist of at least three builders that can handle the full scope of works, either by themselves or through sub-contracting. It is often a good idea to play devil’s advocate and ask what the builder will not be responsible for, such as structural engineer consultations. Be weary of unusually cheap quotes. Ask for references and stories about how the builder has met different challenges along the way. If you can, you could try to see builders’ previous projects in person and talk to previous clients, or if not, read reviews, recommendations and ratings, and look at detailed photos of projects.

Then agree a clear schedule of work, an itemised and fixed quote (inclusive of VAT), and a staged payment scheme with balance to be paid subject to satisfaction. All under contract. Leave no stone unturned. Ask lots of questions.

Questions to ask house builders:

• How long have you been operating as builders?
  
• Who will be working on the project?
  
• Which sub-contractors will you be using?
  
• May I see a current work in progress and speak to a previous client?
  
• Are you and your employees insured?
  
• What materials will you be providing?
  
• What happens if the completion date is delayed?
  
• What happens if the cost exceeds agreed budget?
  
• Is work under warranty?
  
• What is the notice period for termination of contract?
  

Find builders on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to builders. You could also look through photos to find a project you like, then contact the builders that created it.