What to look for in a builder
- Federation of Master Builders or similar trade-body membership
- Public liability and contract-works insurance
- Recent local case studies with addresses (driven past not photographed)
- Written contract with payment schedule and retention
- Building-control sign-off process explained
- Realistic programme dates with contingency
Typical pricing: £1,800-£3,000 per m² for extensions, £35,000-£70,000 typical loft conversion, £180-£260 day rate
Regulator / certification: Federation of Master Builders, TrustMark (where scheme-registered)