One of the most important decisions you will make when you decide to make changes to your property relates to the construction company you hire to undertake the project. If you make the wrong decision, it could impact the quality of your new build, lead to costly delays and even result in legal disputes if the construction does not comply with planning and building regulations.

But, with so many construction companies in the UK, it’s not always easy to know where to start. How can you be sure that the company you hire has the knowledge and experience to make your dream a reality? What other factors do you need to take into account?

Read on to find out everything you need to know to help you choose the right construction company for your project.

Experience

The first thing to consider when choosing a construction company is their level of experience. Have they undertaken similar projects in the past? Do they seem knowledgeable and informative? Do they have what it takes to help you reach your construction goals?

The more experience a construction company has with the type of project you are aiming for, the more likely that they will be able to convert your plans into a reality, reflect the level of quality you are looking for and complete your project on time and within budget.

Reputation

A company with a good reputation is far more likely to be reliable and trustworthy and produce high-quality work. A solid reputation also suggests that the company consistently delivers on its promises, adheres to project timelines and operates with integrity and transparency.

The easiest way to research a construction company’s reputation is by looking up online reviews, ratings and testimonials. Good sites for this include Google Reviews, Checkatrade and Which? Trusted Traders. You can also get in touch with the construction company directly and ask them if they can share references and reviews from previous clients who have hired them for similar work. Don’t forget to simply just ask around to see if anyone you know has hired a specific construction company in the past. Ultimately, the more honest opinions you can collect, the easier it will be to judge how reputable a construction company is.

Licenses and Insurance

It’s imperative that the construction company you pick is licensed and insured. This will protect you in the event that there are problems with the project and from any potential legal fallout if your construction fails to meet building regulations or planning permission requirements. What’s more, if something does go wrong and the builder you pick is not sufficiently insured, you may end up being liable for any accidents or damages.

You can check whether or not a construction company is licensed for the type of work you need done by contacting the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). They can tell you whether the company holds the necessary qualifications, certifications and licenses. They can also provide you with valuable information about the training and skills development programs that the company's employees have completed. That way, you can be sure that the construction company has the expertise and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality workmanship.

Communication

Good communication is essential in any project, and construction is no exception. Make sure you pick a company that understands the value of transparency and regular communication. They should assure you that they will keep you updated on the progress of your project. They should also be comfortable answering any questions you might have throughout the course of the construction.

Budget

Although you should never base your decision to work with a particular construction company solely on price, it is still an important factor. Too low and you risk ending up with subpar work. Too high and you’re likely to blow your budget. That’s why it’s so important to collect and compare as many detailed quotes as possible before making a decision. 

Make sure the quotes you collect include all costs associated with the project. This includes labour, materials, permits and any potential hidden costs. The more detailed your quotes are, the easier it will be to pick a construction company that aligns with your budgetary expectations. That way, there will be no unwanted surprises once you’ve reached the point of no return.

Timeline

It’s always a good idea to check what a construction company’s proposed timeline is for your project. This will give you a clearer idea of when the project will start and finish so that you can make any necessary arrangements (such as booking time off work or finding alternative accommodation). An established timeline with clear deadlines also helps you keep your project on track and avoid potential disputes relating to delays and misunderstandings.

Safety

Safety, as they say, is no accident. When it comes to construction, prioritising safety is of utmost importance to ensure the well-being of workers, the public and the overall success of the project.

There are a few ways that you can verify a construction company’s commitment to safety. Firstly, you can ask them for their Experience Modifier Rate (EMR). This is a safety metric that analyses a company's insurance claim history and compares it to those of similar companies. The lower the rating, the lower the risk of accidents. You could also ask the construction company if they have a written safety policy and procedures manual, and if they provide safety training to employees. 

Understanding Your Goals

Finally, when you meet with a construction company, make sure you are clear about your project goals. You need to be sure that the company you hire understands your vision and what your expectations are. 

A good construction company will take the time to discuss your goals for the project and they will be able to guide and reassure you throughout the process. They should be willing to listen and appreciate the importance of collaborating and communicating with you at each stage of the project to ensure that your expectations are being met. 

At JM Construction, understanding the goals of your project is the first step in our construction process. Our team of professionals will work diligently with you to make sure that every detail is perfect, from the initial planning stages right through to the final touches.