The difference between a successful building project and a nightmare often comes down to the contractor you choose.
1. Verify their legal status
Check the company exists on Companies House. A legitimate building contractor should be registered and have at least one year of trading history.
2. Confirm public liability insurance
Any contractor working on your property should carry public liability insurance of at least £2 million. Ask for a copy of the certificate and check the expiry date.
3. Check their Builder Score on Dwellinger
Builder Score checks CDM compliance records, payment behaviour to suppliers, and dispute outcomes — data that no review platform provides.
4. Read verified project reviews
Look for reviews tied to specific completed projects — with photos, dates, and client names.
5. Get at least 3 written quotes on the same scope
Never compare quotes that are not based on identical scopes of work. A quote that comes back significantly lower than the others usually means something has been omitted.
6. Insist on a written contract
Do not start work without a written contract covering: full scope of works, payment schedule, start date and estimated completion, and what happens if there are variations.
7. Check their Builder Score on Dwellinger
Builder Score is a 0–1000 trust rating calculated from six independently verified components. A Gold or Platinum contractor has demonstrated verified compliance, payment integrity and a strong review track record.
Red flags to avoid
Cash-only payment; pressure to start immediately; no fixed business address; unwillingness to provide references; requesting more than 25% upfront.