BUILDER CHECKLIST
The owner of this house in Aberdeen was looking for a small, focused and dedicated building company with a track record of delivering highquality projects, and found Coldwells Build, winner of the Housebuilder category at the 2023 Scotland Master Builder Awards, through a recommendation
Get references and ask to see examples of their work. What experience do they have with working on similar projects or with similar materials? Check they understand the VAT rules for self builds, too (most of their work should be zero-rated).
Choosing quality contractors and trades could make all the difference to your self build. Putting a good team in place can help to ensure that your project runs smoothly and you aren’t left with issues to fix later down the line. But where to start?
Speak to previous clients in person to verify references and get a fuller picture of what the builder was like to work with. Did they communicate clearly, frequently and politely? Did they deliver the project on time and on budget – and if not, was there a good reason? Did the keep a tidy site and look to minimise noise disturbance for neighbours?