Choosing who builds or improves your home is an important decision. It’s a decision that needs to be well informed and researched. Through good research you will find a contractor with the skills, processes and personality to be completely right for your project and you.

Whilst you may not have final plans at this stage you will need to have some plans to work from. It helps to have a clear idea of what problems you are solving as well as understanding what you need in terms of space, systems required, quality level of fixtures and fittings and your budget.

We hope the following list is helpful to you at this exciting stage in your building project.

Check Trade Associations

Elliott Construction is proud to be a member of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). This means the company has been professionally vetted by FMB, the UK’s largest trade organisation in the building industry. We are also members of the Isle of Man Construction Federation.

Look for the TrustMark

This is the UK Government’s endorsed quality scheme. It covers work a consumer chooses to have carried out in or around their home. Elliott Construction has fulfilled all vetting procedures to become a member of TrustMark

Check websites and social media

You can usually get a good idea of the work a contractor has undertaken from their websites and social media as well as get a feel for the contractor and their priorities.

Get Quotes and Compare Like for Like

Make sure these are in writing and break down estimates to review details of work and materials to be included, timelines and incidentals. Make sure you fully understand what the builder is including for the price.

Don’t Assume Cheapest is Best

Good contractors who refuse to cut corners will seldom be able to compete on price with those that do.

Understand Procedures and Terms and Conditions

Agree payment terms before work commences. Be careful on upfront payments, unless you understand exactly what you are getting for this and why it’s necessary. Be clear about how changes and deviations from the original estimate will be handled and accounted for once work has commenced.

Check References

Always ask for and follow up references. It’s really helpful to see and hear first hand from someone else who has experience of your potential builder.

Understand the Contract

Once you agree a price ensure you have a written contract and that you understand it. Ask for clarification on anything you are unsure of.

Is Your Builder Worth the Wait?

Be cautious of a contractor that is readily available. Elliott Construction’s project schedule is booked months in advance and whilst our clients may, in some cases, have to wait, they know the work we do is worth waiting for. We hope Elliott Construction has made it onto your list and we have the opportunity to provide you with an estimate. But whatever your decision, we hope the information above is of help and wish you every success in your building project.

To find out more about Elliott Construction or to request a site meeting and a no obligation estimate use our online Contact Form or telephone 07624 428196 or email: info@elliottconstruction.net.