Evidence of competence and stability
- Recent projects of similar scale — visit if possible, or video walkthrough
- Employers’ liability and public liability insurance in date; ask whether specific works need additional cover
- Membership of a recognised trade body is a plus, but it is not a substitute for references
Written scope and pricing
Insist on an itemised quote tied to drawings or a clear written spec. Understand what is provisional (groundworks, hidden services) versus fixed. Agree how extras are priced — day rate, percentage markup, or schedule of rates.
Programme and communication
Ask who runs site day-to-day, how often you will get progress updates, and how delays are communicated. For occupied homes, agree working hours, dust control and bathroom/kitchen access.
Payments and retention
Stage payments linked to verifiable milestones are standard. Avoid large upfront cash deposits beyond what is reasonable for long-lead orders. Be clear on retention for snagging if you use one.
Compliance and safety
On many domestic jobs the client is a “domestic client” under CDM — duties transfer to the contractor on single-contractor projects, but someone still needs to coordinate health and safety sensibly. Gas and notifiable electrical work must be certificated.
Questions worth asking
- How do you handle Party Wall or Building Control inspections?
- Who orders steels and glazing — you or the contractor?
- What is your snagging process and defect period?
BJ Construct Ltd focuses on clear communication and staged delivery across London and the South East — we are happy to walk through your project without obligation.