Four Months’ Wait for Builders, Says Research

According to new research published by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), you should book in a contractor four months before you plan to begin onsite works to avoid missing out on securing a good builder.

The findings also show many homeowners don’t ask for essential details, such as a contract and references, before engaging a professional.

“We’re urging people who are keen to crack on with their schemes to get in touch with prospective builders as soon as possible,” says Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB.

“Otherwise, they risk disappointment delaying their projects or worse still, working with a dodgy builder.”

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The report’s key findings:

• Over 40% of builders need at least four months’ notice from individuals who want to hire their firm
• 90% of builders say that the majority of home owners do not ask for a written contract
• 80% of builders report that most customers do not ask for an agreed payment schedule
• Fewer than 10% of builders say that clients normally request to see vital insurance policies such as public liability or employer’s liability insurance

“These protections really are essential to helping clients weed out the cowboys and mitigate against any issues that could crop up during the build. A quality builder will insist on these things and if they don’t, consumers ought to question why,” says Berry.