Builder Comparison Checklist

Builder Comparison Checklist

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you will make during a building project. The Builder Comparison Checklist provides a clear and consistent way to assess different builders, compare their quotations and record the information needed before making an appointment.

Rather than choosing solely on the lowest price, the checklist encourages you to consider experience, reliability, insurance, references, programme, communication and the completeness of each quotation.

Who Is This Checklist For?

This checklist is intended for:

• Homeowners planning an extension, renovation or conversion.
• Self-builders preparing to appoint a main contractor.
• Clients comparing quotations from several builders.
• Property owners undertaking residential building work.
• Anyone who wants a more organised and objective builder-selection process.

No previous construction knowledge is required. The checklist uses straightforward questions and comparison fields that can be completed while reviewing quotations or interviewing prospective builders.

What Does the Checklist Cover?

The Builder Comparison Checklist provides prompts and spaces for recording information about each contractor, including:

• Builder and company details.
• Relevant experience and similar completed projects.
• References from previous clients.
• Public liability and employers’ liability insurance.
• Trade memberships, qualifications and accreditations.
• Availability and proposed commencement date.
• Estimated construction period.
• Quotation value and VAT status.
• The scope of work included within the quotation.
• Items, materials and services excluded from the price.
• Provisional sums and allowances.
• Subcontractor and specialist involvement.
• Payment schedules and deposit requirements.
• Guarantees, warranties and defects arrangements.
• Site supervision and day-to-day management.
• Health and safety responsibilities.
• Communication and record-keeping arrangements.
• Willingness to enter into a written building contract.
• Overall strengths, concerns and comparison notes.

The structured format makes it easier to compare builders on a like-for-like basis and identify areas that require clarification before a contract is signed.

What Will You Receive?

You will receive a professionally prepared Builder Comparison Checklist containing:

• Clearly organised comparison sections.
• Tick boxes and information fields.
• Space for recording quotation details.
• Prompts for questions to ask each builder.
• Areas for noting exclusions, concerns and follow-up actions.
• A summary section to support your final decision.

The checklist may be printed and completed by hand or viewed electronically as a reference during meetings and quotation reviews.

File Format

The checklist is supplied as a downloadable PDF document.

A PDF reader will be required to open the file. The document is designed for straightforward home or office printing. Printed colours, margins and page scaling may vary depending on the printer and print settings used.

Before appointing a contractor, you can check company details at Companies House. Our Tender Checklist can also help when reviewing formal submissions.

Important Information

This checklist is provided as a practical organisational aid. It does not recommend, approve or certify any particular builder and cannot guarantee a contractor’s competence, financial stability, availability or quality of workmanship.

Customers should undertake their own enquiries before appointing a builder. These may include:

• Checking references directly with previous clients.
• Viewing completed and current projects where possible.
• Confirming insurance cover with the relevant insurer.
• Checking company and trading details.
• Clarifying whether VAT is included.
• Obtaining a detailed written quotation.
• Agreeing the complete scope of work.
• Using an appropriate written building contract.
• Seeking professional or legal advice where necessary.

The checklist is not a substitute for architectural, surveying, engineering, quantity-surveying, legal, financial or contract-administration advice. It does not form a building contract, specification, tender document or warranty.

Copyright and Permitted Use

This document is protected by copyright and is supplied for the purchaser’s personal use in connection with their own building project.

The purchaser may:

• Download and retain a personal copy.
• Print copies for use on their own project.
• Share working copies with builders or professional advisers directly involved in that project.

The document must not be resold, redistributed, published online, uploaded to another website, incorporated into another commercial product, altered for resale or reproduced for use on multiple unrelated projects without prior written permission from Houseplansdirect.

Copyright remains with Houseplansdirect.