How to Find a Good Builder (and Avoid Cowboys)

The checks that separate a reliable builder from a cowboy — insurance, references, contracts and the red flags to walk away from.

Start with credentials, not price

The best protection against a bad job is checking credentials before you talk money. Ask for proof of public liability insurance, relevant trade memberships (for example the FMB, NICEIC for electrics, or Gas Safe for gas), and — on bigger jobs — professional indemnity cover.

Get three written quotes

Three itemised, written quotes tell you what a fair price looks like. Be wary of anything far below the others: it usually means corners cut, or a price that creeps up once work starts. A good quote lists materials, labour, timescales and payment stages.

Check real, recent work

Ask for two or three recent customers you can actually call, and photos of finished projects. Genuine reviews and word of mouth beat a slick website every time.

Red flags to walk away from

Pressure to decide today, a large cash deposit up front, no written contract, no fixed address, and reluctance to share insurance or references are all warning signs. A trustworthy builder expects these questions and answers them happily.

Let us do the vetting for you

This is exactly what our free service handles — we check track record, insurance and feedback, then introduce you to a trusted local pro. You skip the guesswork entirely.

Frequently asked questions

Should I pay a deposit?

A modest deposit for materials on a large job is normal, but never pay a big lump sum up front. Agree staged payments tied to completed milestones, in writing.

Do I need a written contract?

Yes — even a simple written agreement covering scope, price, timescale and payment stages protects both sides and is your best defence if something goes wrong.

What insurance should a builder have?

At minimum, public liability insurance. For structural or specialist work, look for relevant scheme membership (Gas Safe, NICEIC), and on larger jobs, professional indemnity cover.