How to vet a builder before hiring (UK)

Hiring the wrong builder can cost far more than a careful check beforehand. Use this UK-focused checklist before you commit.

1. Confirm who you are dealing with

• Ask for the full company name and Companies House number
• Check the company is active and note the directors
• Confirm the person quoting is authorised to contract for that company

Sole traders are common in construction — that is fine, but be clear who is legally responsible for the work.

2. Insurance and qualifications

Ask for evidence of:

• Public liability insurance (and employer's liability if they have staff)
• Relevant trade qualifications or memberships where applicable
• Gas Safe / NICEIC (or equivalent) for regulated work

Verify documents are current, not just a photo of an expired certificate.

3. References and recent work

Speak to recent clients with similar projects. Ask:

• Did the project finish on time and on budget?
• How were changes handled?
• Would they hire the same builder again?

Visit a completed site if you can — photos alone can hide finishing issues.

4. Written quotes and scope

Never rely on a verbal price. A solid quote should include:

• Detailed scope of works
• Materials allowances or exclusions
• Payment schedule
• Programme / estimated duration
• Who obtains building control or planning where needed

Compare like-for-like quotes. The cheapest headline figure often excludes critical items.

5. Payment terms that protect you

Avoid large upfront payments for work not yet done. Prefer staged payments aligned to visible progress. Fort's milestone payment model is designed for exactly this.

How Fort helps

Companies on Fort go through verification checks before they become Fort Certified. That does not replace your own due diligence, but it adds a structured layer on top of DIY research — plus shared project plans, documents, and dispute pathways if something goes wrong.

Explore homeowner features or register your interest to get started.