Choosing a building contractor in London

Compare relevant projects, estimates, references and communication before appointing a builder for your London home.

Start with a comparable project

A kitchen refit, a whole-house refurbishment and a basement conversion involve different work. Ask for examples matching the part of your project you most need help with. Read the scope as well as the photographs: replacing a roof over an extension is different from building the extension itself.

Check the location and scope

A contractor can serve an area without a published project on every street. Ask where an example took place, which work the contractor carried out and whether the gallery covers one property or several. Our portfolio distinguishes individual projects from bathroom and joinery collections.

Compare estimates against the same brief

Give each contractor the same drawings, room list and finish requirements. Ask them to identify preparation, building work, fixtures, finishes, exclusions and undecided items. A total alone does not tell you whether two estimates cover the same work.

Discuss practical arrangements

Ask who will be your day-to-day contact and how access, deliveries and storage will work. If you will remain in the property, discuss which rooms must stay usable and how the working areas will be separated. Record the arrangements you agree.

Agree how changes will be handled

Ask how unexpected findings or requested changes will be described and priced before work proceeds, and how their effect on the programme will be communicated. Keep the agreed scope and later decisions together.

Check references and documents

Read independent feedback as well as website testimonials. Ask whether a relevant past client can provide a reference, subject to their permission. Request current insurance and the trade credentials needed for the particular work; a logo alone does not replace checking the documents.

Examples to explore

Choosing a contractor · Preparing your brief · Discuss your project with Alex