Building an extension is a major investment, and finding the right builder is essential to ensuring the project runs smoothly and meets your expectations. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this guide, we’ll take you through the key steps to finding a reliable builder for your home extension in Edinburgh and the Lothians, so you can feel confident throughout the process.
1. Start with Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a reputable builder is through word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask friends, family, or neighbours who have had similar work done. They can give you first-hand insights into the builder’s workmanship, professionalism, and reliability. If someone close to you had a positive experience, it’s a good sign that the builder could be a good fit for your project.
If you don’t have personal recommendations, local community groups or online forums specific to Edinburgh and the Lothians can be great resources for finding builders who are known and trusted in your area.
2. Search for Registered Builders
Once you’ve got a few recommendations, the next step is to verify whether the builders are part of any professional organisations. Reputable builders often register with organisations such as the Association of Master Tradesman or Trusted Trader (link to Sawmill Trusted Trader profile) which guarantees that they meet certain industry standards. Checking if a builder is registered with a professional body ensures you’re working with someone who is qualified and adheres to strict codes of conduct.
3. Check Online Reviews
In addition to personal recommendations, it’s important to check online reviews on platforms like Google, Trusted Trader, Look for builders with a consistent track record of positive feedback, paying particular attention to reviews that mention similar projects, such as home extensions. This will give you a clearer idea of what to expect and help you narrow down your options.
Be cautious of builders with numerous negative reviews or patterns of complaints, especially about communication or workmanship. Look for a builder with solid reviews that highlight their strengths, such as punctuality, quality of work, and attention to detail.
4. Request A Quote
Once you’ve identified a trustworthy builder, it’s time to get a quote. Many builders will give you a ballpark figure, but will charge for an accurate quote. We provide a fully itemised breakdown quote for free. We understand you might want multiple quotes to compare. However, it’s important not to go solely with the lowest price. Instead, consider the overall value—what is included in the quote, the builder’s experience, and the timeline they’ve suggested.
An ideal quote will be clear and transparent, with a detailed breakdown of costs for materials, labour, and any potential extras such as building permits. Avoid builders who offer vague estimates or refuse to provide a written quote.
5. Ask for References and Visit Past Projects
Before making your final decision, ask builders for references from previous clients. A reputable builder will be happy to provide contact details of homeowners they’ve worked with. Speaking to past clients allows you to get a more personal insight into the builder’s professionalism and quality of work.
If possible, arrange to visit one of the builder’s completed projects. This will give you a chance to see the standard of their work first-hand and to talk to the homeowner about their experience. We have testimonial videos on our website which provides a first-hand experience from our customer, alternatively get in touch and we would be able to put you in touch with past clients.
6. Review Contracts and Insurance
Once you’ve chosen a builder, it’s essential to have a written contract in place before any work begins. The contract should include:
- A clear scope of work.
- A detailed payment schedule.
- Start and completion dates.
- Clauses for handling unexpected costs or changes in the project.
Additionally, make sure your builder has the right insurance. They should have public liability insurance to cover any damage to your property or injuries that occur on-site. You may also want to check if they offer any warranties on their work, which can give you peace of mind for the future.
Conclusion
Finding the right builder for your house extension is a critical step in ensuring a successful project. By following these tips—starting with recommendations, checking credentials, reviewing quotes, and verifying insurance—you’ll be well on your way to finding a reliable builder who meets your needs. At Sawmill Contracts Ltd, we offer expert building services for homeowners across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Contact us today to discuss your extension plans and how we can help bring them to life.