Homeowners · Choosing and checking

Questions to ask a builder before you hire them

Good builders are happy to answer these. Vague answers to the money and paperwork questions are worth noticing.

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.

About the price

• Is this a fixed quote or an estimate? A quote is a fixed price and an estimate can change (Citizens Advice).
• Does the price include VAT, materials, waste removal and making good? Citizens Advice says a quote should show the total, a breakdown, VAT, how long it is valid for, and when the price could go up (Citizens Advice).
• How do you price extras or changes? Ask for any change to be agreed in writing, with its price, before it is done.

About the paperwork

• Will you give me a written contract? It should cover the scope, price, dates and payment stages.
• What is your full business name and address? Are you a limited company? You can check a company on Companies House.
• Can I see your public liability insurance certificate? Citizens Advice suggests checking insurance cover (Citizens Advice).
• If I sign at home, will you give me the cancellation information? For most contracts agreed at your home, you have 14 days to cancel and the trader must tell you about it (Citizens Advice).

About permissions and safety

• Does this job need planning permission or building regulations approval, and who is applying? Agree this in writing. The Planning Portal says it is your responsibility to check if you need planning permission.
• Will I get a building regulations completion certificate, or a competent person scheme certificate? You will need these when you sell (GOV.UK).
• Is a party wall notice needed? See GOV.UK party walls guidance.
• Who will do gas and electrical work, and are they registered? Gas work needs a Gas Safe registered engineer (Citizens Advice).
• Who takes the waste away, and are they a registered waste carrier? You must check, because you can be fined if your waste is fly-tipped (GOV.UK).

About money and timing

• What is the payment schedule? Pay in stages as work is done. Citizens Advice says not to agree to a deposit of more than 25% (Citizens Advice).
• Can I pay by card? Card payments can give you extra protection (Citizens Advice).
• Do you offer deposit protection or an insurance-backed guarantee? (Citizens Advice)
• When will you start and finish, and who will be on site each day?

About past work

• Can I speak to two or three recent customers with similar jobs? (Citizens Advice)
• Which trade schemes are you a member of? Then check on the scheme's own site.

A printable version is on the checklists page.