Is My Friend's Recommendation Enough To Choose My Builder

Posted by KT5 Construction on 25th November 2020 -

Our friends are a great source of referrals for anything from great, new restaurants to the best cleaner. However, when it comes to choosing a builder, how do you know if you can trust their recommendation? Is word of mouth enough in every situation?

Choosing a builder is based on a lot of different factors:

• The scope of the project
• The need for a specialist or a general builder
• Budget concerns
• Time constraints, etc.

The one factor that matters most at the end of the day is you. How do you feel about the builder and what are your personal tastes? Can the builder your friend suggested complete the project you’re planning? We all have different visions when it comes to our homes and just because a friend recommended a certain builder does not mean you cannot shop around first to make sure you’re choosing the builder that is best for you.

You must be clear about your needs and your vision for the project you want completed. Maybe you want to remodel your kitchen or add an extension to your home above the garage or create an open plan living area. You may even want to restore an abandoned house. No matter what the project is, be very specific and clear about what you want, so that when you are having initial conversations with a potential builder they are able to quote you correctly and give feedback based on your needs.

When receiving recommendations from friends, be mindful that they may be biased towards their long-term builder and not realise that their builder is not the best option for you cost-wise or project-wise. After identifying your needs the best plan is to evaluate the builders’ credentials in your area.

Ask the following questions:

• Do they have the appropriate experience?
• How many years have they been in business?
• Do they have the required licensing and insurance?
• What do homeowners in your area say about them? Are they happy overall with their service or are there problems with things like communication?

Evaluate the quality of their work. Visit homes they are currently working on or check out their previous work. Observe all you can to help you make your decision. You could talk to estate agents or other housing professionals and ask them their opinions on your friend’s choice of builder and other builders you’re considering. Getting professional feedback and considering it along with your friend’s referral helps you choose the best builder for you out of the ones who come highly recommended.

The internet is also a good place to cross-check your friend’s preferred builder. Search the builder on popular review sites and social media sites to find out what others say about them. If other customers are just as happy as your friend, then it should be safe to take next steps and contact them. If there is a mix of positive and negative reviews, then take a look at the negative ones and see what the common issue is. If the complaints are minor and something you can live with, consider trusting your friend’s judgement, as there will always be a few negatives. Ask your friend if they experienced anything similar to what others mention negatively in their reviews, and if so, it may be better to continue shopping around for other builders.

There are plenty of reputable builders out there you can trust, it’s just a matter of doing due diligence and researching all the possible options to find the best fit. Don’t just stop at what your friend recommends. Always have options and always verify credentials. Having a builder who is within your budget is important, but beyond financial concerns, address areas such as customer experience, warranties, the contract process, and most importantly, the quality of their product. Take your time, take lots of notes, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember there is always going to be an element of risk involved because nothing can be guaranteed but if you have done your research you should have no problems.

At KT5, we make sure you fully understand what is required of you, how we provide services, and what the next steps are. We give you very detailed information in the first meeting along with a comprehensive quote in the beginning for you to make an informed and educated decision. We pride ourselves on designing and carrying out high quality building work and we value honesty, integrity, and transparency when working with our clients. Be sure to visit examples of our work and advice on our Instagram Page.

For more information about KT5, a construction company you can trust to deliver on time and on budget, please contact us today.