Guides for homeowners

How to choose a builder, agree the job, pay safely and sort out problems. Every point links to an official source.

Information, not legal advice. This guide explains official rules in plain words for England, with links to the sources. Rules change and every job is different, so check the source or get advice for your situation. Last checked 24 October 2026.

• Homeowners

  How to choose a builder in London

  A few simple checks before you hire a builder can prevent many problems.

• Homeowners

  Questions to ask a builder before you hire them

  Good builders are happy to answer these.

• Homeowners

  Quotes and contracts: what to get in writing

  A common source of argument is “that wasn't in the price”.

• Homeowners

  Paying a builder safely

  How you pay matters as much as who you pay.

• Homeowners

  Planning, building regulations and party walls

  These are three different things.

• Homeowners

  Red flags and doorstep scams

  One red flag does not always mean someone is dishonest.

• Homeowners

  Cancelling building work

  The rules depend on where and how you agreed the contract.

• Homeowners

  If things go wrong with your builder

  Start calm and in writing.

Builders: there is a matching set of guides for builders. Reading both sides helps everyone.