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Builder

A builder is a skilled worker who engages in manual labour such as maintenance for a residential project or a large-scale commercial construction job. A builder is also known as a construction worker, contractor, or tradesman.

A tradesman works on a building site like a small residential job to extend a house. It can also involve a commercial job such as refurbishing a small front shop.

Builders are not regulated, which means anyone can become a builder. Hence ensure they have insurance.

Before Work Starts

  • The time it takes a builder to provide a quote can vary depending on the project's complexity, but generally, it should be within one to two weeks of the initial consultation.
  • If you want to maximise your chances of finding the perfect construction worker starting your search for a good builder as early as possible is important. So what should you do before hiring a builder?
  • Builder’s risk insurance is an important factor in any construction project. What does risk insurance cover? Find out what it covers and what to look out for.
  • Seeing an invoice without VAT can raise most people’s eyebrows. Why do they quote without VAT? In the construction sector, it’s perfectly normal.
  • Understanding VAT regulations can be complicated, but it’s important when undertaking a large construction project. Find out whether labour work is charged with VAT or without.
  • When you are paying builders for their work you need to know which method is the most appropriate. Do not just simply give them cash.
  • Have you ever considered whether builders pay VAT on their materials?
single rear brick extension

During the Work

Discover pitfalls and what to look out for during your construction work. Good management will save you time and save you the hassle of unpredictability.

  • Even with perfect planning, it’s possible you might have to switch builders during a construction project. Are you prepared to handle the situation? How to go about changing current builders
  • Working in the rain is occasionally not a problem for builders. Though can you work in rain? Find out what the exceptions are!
  • Do builders work during the winter? Can you work in winter? What should you be aware of if they do work in the winter.
  • It’s not common to give a tip to builders, and there are some good reasons for that. Though should you tip a builder? There’s still a lot you can do without tipping to help out if you feel like it.
  • While there are standards for the working hours of builders. Nevertheless, how long do they work in a day. There are also some exceptions which you need to be aware of before starting a construction project.
  • Builders are generally responsible for all defects arising from improper work done by them. But who is responsible for defects?
  • Sometimes there are delays in your building project. Though how long can they delay it for?

After Work has been Done