What's the best way to find a reliable builder?

I am looking to do some work on my property, re-rendering, a kitchen extension and a loft conversion, but as it%26#039;s a lot of money to spend, I obviously want to make sure to find someone who isn%26#039;t going to do a shoddy job. Is there a website to look where people have recommended construction companies, or any other tips? Or can you even recommend a company - I live in Torbay in Devon.

Thanks

What%26#039;s the best way to find a reliable builder?

unfortunately the only reliable way is the word of mouth. I know you say its not not option but it is, it just needs leg work. Get a few architects in to see if they want the drawing job......ask them do they know any good local builders, ask in the pub, ask in the builders merchants ( not B%26amp;Q ! ), walk around and see what new extensions are up - go and knock on the door....I find people don%26#039;t mind and I am more than happy to give recommendations for all the work we do.

We were all new to an area at some stage, it just requires a bit of legwork to find the reliable builders.

a website, database or agency all have the agenda of making commission out of you. yellow pages ? I would say not. All the builders, groundworks, sparkies, plasterers and plumbers I use are not in Yellow pages. Why would they be ? The best ones are far too busy to need adverts.

Finally, never go with someone who is available. You%26#039;ll have to wait for a decent builder.

What%26#039;s the best way to find a reliable builder?

word of mouth is definately the best way. ask someone who recently got work done. this is the only way for it to be totally honest and reliable feedback

Other Replys:Most Council Websites - Trading Standards Websites have a list of known reliable builders and thay also know the dodgy ones, which is a bonus!

The other way is to find people that have had work done and find out that way about the builders they have used!

On the whole though - Trading Standards offices will put you in the right direction and give you all the numbers

Other Replys:don%26#039;t pay up front , wait till works finished , but normally if some body is BSI APPROVED ITS A GOOD BET, and you have somebody to complain if its not right

Other Replys:normally the best way is by word of mouth because that way you know people have had good worksmanship

Other Replys:I have the answer:

D.I.Y

Reliable, hard working, turns up on time,and won%26#039;t charge you an arm and a leg!

Other Replys:Try getting estimates from local builders found in Yellow Pages, or local adverts, and ask them to give you examples of other work they have completed, with references, or names and numbers, so that you can phone recent customers and ask their opinion. In my experience, people don%26#039;t mind this and are happy to give their recommendations or otherwise.

Other Replys:go to the following website www.askthetrades.co.uk they have a find a tradesmen facility

all the best steve