Looking for local builders online but worried about getting scammed?

Millions of homeowners throw away their hard-earned cash on rogue builders every year. Work is often substandard.

Prices far higher than quoted. To make matters worse, trading standards teams across the UK have all reported a recent rise in complaints from innocent homeowners being targeted by rogue traders offering shoddy services.

The good news is this…

Finding local builders that you can trust isn’t difficult. In fact, by taking a few simple precautions, you can dramatically increase the chances of getting good-quality work done on your property while also ensuring that your money is safe.

In this complete guide, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about finding local builders. We’ll be looking at…

• Why Finding Local Builders Near You Is Important
• How To Find Local Builders Near You Online
• The Smart Way To Compare Builder Quotes
• Warning Signs To Look Out For

Why Finding Local Builders Is Important

Choosing the wrong builder can cost you big time. Not just financially… But also in wasted time, stress and headaches that stay with you for months to come.

Let’s be honest…

Finding local builders near you online that you can trust just makes everything that bit smoother. Workmanship is good. Prices stay as quoted. And you don’t spend your evenings worrying about what disaster will befall you tomorrow.

In fact, according to research, 94% of homeowners prefer to work with professional tradespeople when carrying out work on their property. That’s an incredible number of people placing their trust in builders.

But there’s a problem…

Not all builders deserve that trust. Some will happily take your deposit and disappear. Others will start a job and never finish it. A few will do such a poor job that you end up having to pay again to get it fixed.

The solution?

Research up front. Spend time now to save money later.

How To Find Local Builders Online

Finding reputable local builders has never been easier. The internet gives you access to reviews, portfolios and verification tools that simply weren’t available in the past.

Here’s how to do it right…

Check Trade Associations

Look for local builders online who are signed up to recognised trade bodies. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is a good place to start. All members have been vetted and inspected.

TrustMark is another excellent option. It’s the only government-endorsed quality scheme for UK tradespeople.

Memberships are important because:

• Builders have had their backgrounds checked
• Work quality standards are monitored
• Complaints processes are in place if things go wrong

Don’t skip this step. Any builder that claims to be a member of a trade body should be easy to verify by checking their website.

Use Comparison Platforms

Smart homeowners compare builder quotes before making decisions. Builder quote comparison platforms connect you with multiple local builders who have been pre-vetted and verified.

Why does this work?

You receive a selection of quotes without having to chase individual builders yourself. Each builder knows they’re in competition. And you can compare pricing, timescales and approaches against one another side by side.

This is particularly effective when you’re finding local builders near you online because it automatically filters out the time-wasters.

Read Reviews Carefully

Online reviews tell you more than builders ever will. The trick is looking for patterns and consistency in what people say.

Look for:

• Mentions of punctuality
• Quality of communication
• Unexpected costs
• Descriptions of finished work

One negative review among twenty five glowing ones? Fine. Half a dozen consistent complaints about the same issue? Run for the hills.

The Smart Way To Get Builder Quotes

Getting quotes sounds like it should be simple. But most homeowners completely bodge this process.

Here’s how to get it right…

Get At Least Three Quotes

Never ever accept the first builder quote that you receive. Getting at least three quotes is essential. It gives you a proper basis for comparison. Five builders is often recommended since some may not respond.

Why three?

You’ll see what the average market price is. You’ll spot exceptionally high or low quotes. And you’ll weed out those builders that are not at all interested in your job.

Provide The Same Information

Each builder must quote to the exact same specification. Send each one the same drawings, measurements and requirements.

This sounds blindingly obvious, but people forget. When builders receive different information, they produce different quotes. And then you’re trying to compare apples to oranges.

Be sure to include:

• Precise project scope
• Material preferences
• Timeline expectations
• Access information
• Planning constraints (if applicable)

Understand Quotes vs Estimates

This is the most common mistake of all. There is a world of difference between an estimate and a quote.

An estimate is an educated guess. A quote is a fixed price.

Estimates can change dramatically as work progresses. Quotes should remain stable unless the project scope changes.

Always insist on a written quote. Verbal agreements have no place when it comes to disputes.

Warning Signs To Look Out For

Identifying problems before they happen is the key to stress-free home improvements. If you spot any of these warning signs, you should proceed with caution.

Ridiculously Low Prices

The quote is fantastic… Too fantastic.

Extremely low prices almost always indicate:

• Substandard materials
• Corner-cutting
• Uninsured workers
• Vanishing midway through the project

Good quality workmanship costs money. Builders that undercut the market by a significant margin either don’t understand the work required or intend to make up the money elsewhere.

No Written Contract

Professional builders use contracts. Full stop.

A contract outlines the work, the price, the timeline and the course of action if there is a change in scope.

No contract? Then no hiring.

Pressure Tactics

Good builders are busy. They don’t need to pressure you into making an immediate decision.

Look out for phrases such as:

• “This price is only available today”
• “I’ve got another customer looking at this”
• “Pay now to secure your place in my schedule”

Legitimate builders will give you time to consider a decision. Pressuring builders want your money before you notice any of their scams.

No Insurance Or Credentials

Every builder should be able to produce public liability insurance details. Many should also have employers’ liability insurance if they use staff.

Ask to see proof. Professional builders will expect this. Dodgy builders will get defensive.

Wrapping Things Up

Finding local builders that you can trust takes time and effort. But that time and effort more than pays dividends when your project goes smoothly and your money remains secure.

Remember these key points:

• Check trade association directories
• Compare multiple quotes online
• Read reviews for patterns
• Demand written contracts
• Trust your instincts

The construction industry is heating up. Work is returning in a big way. More work means more builders chasing that work. Some are brilliant. Some are terrible.

Your job is to spot the difference.

Spend time doing your research properly. Ask all the difficult questions. Verify everything you’re told. And you’ll end up with quality workmanship done by tradespeople you can trust.

Skip those steps and you’ll be one of the thousands of homeowners who learn the hard way just how expensive lessons like these can be.

Good luck with your project.