# Finding a Builder to Install Your Home - Key Decisions

When it comes to finding a new builder, one of the most challenging parts can be finding one that is trusted by everyone. Luckily, you still can find a builder during lock down, so double check the local government information as a guideline. Currently in the January 2021 lock down period there are few circumstances in which anyone is allowed in other people's homes and these are mainly occupations like electricians, plumbers, surveyors and construction/renovation experts.

You can also use the internet to [find a builder](https://nabc.org.uk/) and this works quite well. There are a number of websites that allow people to create a custom builder profile. Once you have created your profile, you can search for builders based on your criteria. The type of builders you choose will depend on the type of house plan you have chosen.

It is important that you read through the taster bid carefully. This is where you will find the good builders and you need to make sure that you select someone who meets your standards. These should be completed and sent to the contractors within the organisation. The contracts should be read carefully so that you know exactly what you are signing up for. If you have any questions, make sure you ask the contractors before they start work.

Once you have found a reliable builder, you need to make sure that you ask them key decisions during the build. Ask them to break down the work that needs to be done, to find out if there is anything that is crucial that you need to know about or if there is something else that could be achieved. This is the best way to avoid unwanted delays and mistakes.

Another good way to find a builder is by going through the portfolio of previous customers. You can contact past clients and ask them if they are happy with their builders. Find out how satisfied they are with the quality of the work that has been done and if they would recommend them to others. Past customers are often the best place to start because they will not keep you waiting for a long time while looking for a new builder, as they will be happy to share their experiences.

A list of builders should be compiled and a meeting arranged with each one. The aim of this meeting is to establish whether there is anything you can do to improve the quality of the service they provide. If you do not have a good idea about what a good builder is like, it may help to get recommendations from friends and family. They may have previously used a builder and could be able to provide you with some insights. However, this is not always necessary as finding the best way of finding a builder is the key decision making process.

The next step in the process is to search for a good builder by comparing the prices that various contractors may offer for your needs. It will be possible to find a builder at a price that is close to prime cost through a competitive tendering process, which will ensure that the best deals are secured. As well as contacting several contractors, it may be possible to secure a provisional quote through a trusted broker. This can allow you to find a builder at prime cost before committing to any one company.

Trained building inspectors can also be another good source of advice when looking for a builder. Building inspectors have access to vital information that can make it easier for you to identify whether or not a particular contractor is reliable and whether or not you can trust them to carry out work to the highest standard. By having another party's opinion on the contractors, building inspectors can ensure that you are not left with potentially damaged buildings.
