How long does it take to find a builder?

On average, we estimate it should take between 3-6 weeks for you to find a contractor and sign on the dotted line.

You should also be prepared to wait 3-4 weeks for your chosen contractor to mobilise and get on site. This could stretch out even longer during busy periods.

By putting aside 10% of your construction costs , you should be able to cover any unexpected costs from delays both before and during your build.

On a basic level, everyone will need to…

1 2 3

Meet with potential contractors (1-2 weeks)

At Udex, our Connect service will put you in touch with vetted companies in your area; making this stage much quicker as we’ll make sure you speak to the right contractors from the start.

Have potential contractors provide a quote (1-2 weeks)

In order to put together a quote (also known as a ‘tender’) your prospective contractors will need to make a visit to the proposed site, as well as review your building regulations package if you have one. We always recommend our customers opt for comprehensive building regulations drawings: builders will be able to thoroughly cost up your project, reducing the risk of unexpected fees further down the line. You should also see a quicker turnaround time, as the technical work done in the building regulations stage will stop your builders from having to use guesswork on their numbers.

Once they’ve properly evaluated your project, your contractor will put together their proposed contract. This should detail everything from how they’ve cost your project, timings, work practices, suppliers, and (importantly) what insurance they have in place.

WHAT TYPE OF CONTRACTORS ARE THERE?

What type of contractors are there?

When you start the tendering process, here is a list of key contractor terms you’re likely to encounter: contractors?

Nominated subcontractor

This is a subcontractor that you have selected and imposed on your main contractor to work with.

Construction manager

Your construction manager won’t be carrying out the work themselves, it’s their job to manage the trade contractors who are onsite.

A general term that’s used to describe any provider of services or goods during the construction process. Supplier

Selected by your main builder, a subcontractor will be brought

Domestic subcontractor

Approved contractor

Because you won’t be part of the hiring process, it’s worth discussing if your builder plans on using subcontractors during the tendering stage

This is the builder you have appointed to carry out work for your project. They’ll be selected during the tendering stage based on their level of experience, resources, and track record.

What type of contractors are there?

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A contractor project, such as the electrical installation. Unlike a subcontractor, this is a professional you have hired directly and manage.

These types of contractors not only provide the build, they also handle the architectural design too. Unlike architects, they won’t same level of protection on this front either.

A homeowner might choose to put together a list of subcontractors for their main contractor to select from. the responsibility of this subcontractor will fall to your main builder maintenance or replacement work a build might require.

WHAT TYPE OF BUILDING COMPANIES ARE THERE?

1 These kinds of builders are lone contractor.

2 They are best used for small projects, usually renovations, but could be an option for small scale extensions.

3 They’re also the cheapest option when it comes to construction.

What type of building companies are there? drawbacks.

Risky for your project with limited availability.

With limited manpower, these builders usually only take one job on at a time. Which means they have limited availabitemporary accommodation, your extended stay away from home might cancel out your savings. Your money might the material and construction costs. This could mean you get asked to pay for construction upfront (very dangerous) or they could run out of funds halfway and have to take on other jobs to make the money up.

What type of building companies are there?

A Builder with some Help

1 A builder will often grow their business organically.

2 Start off small, slowly identify labourers who are reliable to work with. Who will be in charge of a site so the builder can work elsewhere.

3 With the right company, this could be an advantage for your home. In the middle of growing their business, these contractors are often very ambitious and keen to make a positive impression.

4 Great service for a great competitive price.

Still cheap, keen to build their company.

Might not be ready for your project.

drawbacks.

and timeframes, but may have underestimated the time needed their new team to do it. This can lead to complications with their pricing and scheduling of the project.Ultimately, this puts your project at risk. If you want to avoid these issues, make sure you’re getting all the details in your contract. How many other people will work on-site? How will they be paid? What safeguards are in place to prevent delays?

What type of building companies are there?

Builder with a Sub-contractor

1 These are a great choice for homeowners who want more of a professional touch (for extra security).

2 Thanks to being typically well established with proven experience they offer a mix of: Organisational skills, Reliability, Budget.

Reliable, organised and safe.

Costs more. Need to be aware of labourers drawbacks.

What type of building companies are there?

Fully Established Contractor Firm

1 This is our number one recommendation to any large home extension project.

2 You’ll pay more for their service.

3 Their expertise will be very hard to beat.

4 Because of their size you’ll be able to secure a payment plan that keeps you and your budget safe from bad practices.

plus quick turnaround.

Premium price.

builders, ground-workers, and labourers on hand for your home.

This means they often complete projects ahead of their smaller, local competition.

Overseeing the work could be undertaken by yourself, without the need for a project manager. And, of course, by paying more for your build, you’re more likely to get a quality end result: you give yourself the best possible chance at recouping this larger investment when it comes to selling your home.