What qualifications are required?

Question

I am looking for a builder  to do some work like building an external wall and replace paving.

What credentials should I ask to see?

Should i need to check what insurance cover he has, in case he has an accident on my property?

Is there anything else you would recommend I check?

Regards

Yvonne

Christooher · Accepted Answer

The best qualifications a builder could have is experience , qualifications are not a bud deal but a lot of time spent in the trades will give the builder experience on various jobs you can’t learn experience .

Rob · Answer

Nine times out of ten all builders would have their own liability insurance!!!  Ok Rob

Martin · Answer

Best thing to get is photos of previous work - from a website Facebook page etc and if possible verified by previous Clients. Reviews on sites like this, Google etc also very useful. You need to know that the builder can produce quality work and done safely. And being the cheapest very rarely means they are the best!
Yes - definitely get proof of their public liability insurance.
Meet the builder, get fixed, written quotes. You will get a feel from the conversation with the builder. If you get a bad feeling don't hire them. There are plenty of good guys out there. You just might have to pay a bit more for the right builder.

Marian · Answer

Hi depends on the trade people if is nothing complicated I can help you with everything thanks

Kevan · Answer

Hello Yvonne, Firstly I would get the builder to have a look at the work and discuss what you actually require.   Usually a good builder will spend a bit of time going through what you have in mind but will also suggest ideas that maybe you haven't thought of.  
Ask them to provide a quotation and what other work they have carried out, ideally fairly local to you so you can possibly going and look at. Also any references they can provide.  Ask them to provided their Public Liability Insurance but this can be provided at any time but as long as its prior to commencement of any work.

Hope this is helpful.

Matthew · Answer

Most builders should have liability like myself. And if you can try and find someone that has been recommended, try a post on Facebook local groups and see what comes back

Dave · Answer

Minimum should be public liability insurance and business insurance, I’d check for reviews or previous customers comments, you could ask for references from previous customers and photos of previous works completed

Michael · Answer

I would recommend hiring a qualified bricklayer for this work.

Mohammed · Answer

Dear Yvonne,

There is no requirement for any formal qualifications for builders. However all literature pertaining to health and safety, structural works etc does have a requirement for builders to be competent in their trade. The key word being competent. This can be measured by industry recognised memberships/accreditation such as CIOB (Chartered Institute of Builders) or CHAS.

If your wall is supporting an element of your house/dwelling then it would be good practice to request references of similar types of works. An engineer should also be consulted.

Paving on the other hand has very limited risk associated with it. References alone would suffice.

All builders must have public liability insurance no matter how small the project in question. Minimum cover of £1m.

Should a builder be carrying out gas or electrical installation then there would be a requirement for a suitably qualified person who can issue certification.

Michael · Answer

I would ask for recommendations and pictures of work

What qualifications are required?

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