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How to Choose a Builder in Wolverhampton: 7 Checks Before You Sign

A good builder makes your project; a bad one costs thousands and months of stress. Here's how to protect yourself.

  1. Ask for proof of public liability insurance

    A reputable builder will have £2m–£5m public liability and employer's liability insurance. Ask for the certificate — they should email it immediately. No certificate = walk away.

  2. Get a written, itemised quote

    Not an estimate. A proper quote lists: what's included, what's excluded, materials (brands/specs), stage payment schedule, timeline, and who handles approvals. If it's vague, it's not a quote.

  3. Agree staged payments tied to milestones

    Never pay the full amount upfront. Standard stages: deposit (10–20%), groundworks/structure, first fix (plumbing/electrics), second fix, completion. Pay only when each stage is done to your satisfaction.

  4. Confirm who handles approvals

    Planning permission, building regulations, building control inspections, Part P electrical, Gas Safe — agree who applies, who pays fees, and who chases certificates. The builder should manage this; you should get copies of all certificates.

  5. Check structural work is designed by an engineer

    Wall removals, loft floors, steel beams, new openings — all need structural calculations from a chartered engineer. The builder should arrange this and give you the calculations for building control.

  6. Plan for Party Wall notices early

    If you're building on/near a boundary, excavating near a neighbour's foundation, or cutting into a shared wall, the Party Wall Act 1996 applies. Notices must be served 2 months to 1 year before work starts. Delays here stop projects.

  7. Look at recent local work and reviews

    Ask for addresses of 2–3 similar projects nearby. Drive past, knock on doors if you can. Check Google reviews (look for detailed ones with photos). Check TrustMark, FMB, Checkatrade. A builder with nothing to hide shows you everything.

Red flags: Cash-only quotes, no landline/office, no website, pressure to sign today, no written contract, "we'll sort regs later", vague timelines.

5K Construction passes all seven. We're insured (£5m PL), itemised quotes standard, staged payments, we handle all approvals, structural calcs included, party wall notices served, 500+ local projects with Google reviews. Book your free survey →

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