So, your house plans are in motion, but how do you choose the right person to bring it all to life? Read on to learn the best ways to vet a tradesperson

ISTOCK-168714353-BRICK-TRADES-WRAGG

Build It readers Ash and Nancy Rogers hired their neighbour to build and manage this unusual extension. Curt, of Hunt & Carter Builders, had just completed his own project and the couple were impressed with his quality of work

TOM HARGREAVES

Choosing the right team is paramount to the success of your project – from a designer who understands your vision to the tradespeople who will build it. We’ve all heard the tales of people who’ve fallen foul of so-called cowboy builders, but for every horror story, there are plenty of good trades who pride themselves on the quality of their work. The key to tracking them down lies in doing your homework.

Get recommendations

One of the best ways to find good trades is through word of mouth. Your first port of call should be friends, family and colleagues in your area who’ve completed similar projects. Ask them what the contractor was like to work with, whether they did their job on time and to the expected quality, and whether they dealt with any issues that did arise quickly and efficiently.

The next port of call is to ask your architect or any other professionals involved in your project. You could also knock on the door of anyone currently doing an extension in your area and ask the owner if they’d endorse their builders. It’s always worth visiting a live site so that you can see how the builders work – and whether it’s compatible with the way you want to run your project.

If no one nearby has a builder they’d recommend, then it’s time to get on the internet. There are plenty of websites out there that can introduce you to contractors and trades, including the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Rated People. Some will have independent vetting processes, as there are no real accreditations needed to set up as a builder. For example, Checkatrade members have to pass 12 checks to get on the site. The company is so confident in their builders that the work is guaranteed up to £1,000, offering additional security if a job does go wrong. But don't rely solely on web reviews – visit past projects and follow up on references.