The contract was signed. The diggers rolled in. The neighbour started peering over the fence with a face like a slapped brick.
And then it hit them.
They hadn’t asked.
Not about that thing. Not about the other thing either. And by the time they remembered, it was already too late.
It happens more than you’d think.
Here are ten simple questions that can save you stress, money, and the urge to move into a tent.
Who’s actually doing the work?
You might have hired A2 Building, but it’s their mate Dave and a van full of subcontractors you’ve never met who’ll turn up on Monday. Ask for names. Ask for roles. Ask who’s responsible if something goes wrong.
What happens if someone doesn’t turn up?
Builders get sick. Tools break. Cement doesn’t set. But what’s the plan when that happens? Will the whole job stop? Or is there a backup crew? You want answers before the scaffolding’s up.
Can I live here while the work is going on?
Some jobs are messier than others. You might imagine staying in the house with the odd dust sheet. Then you discover your kitchen’s been reduced to a crater. Ask for an honest view on noise, dust and safety.
When planning your dream home, it’s crucial to consider the flexibility and expertise of your builder. One important question to ask is whether they can construct on your own land. This can significantly impact your project’s timeline and budget. For those in the Sunshine State, exploring options with Orlando Florida home builders on your lot can provide tailored solutions that align with your vision and location preferences. By ensuring your builder is experienced in working on diverse terrains and local regulations, you can avoid unexpected challenges and ensure a smoother building process.
What exactly is included in the quote?
Sounds boring. But it’s where most disputes start.
Does it include the removal of waste? Skip hire? Tea bags? Don’t assume anything.
Get it in writing.
Will you give me a fixed timeline?
You don’t want vague promises like “a few weeks” or “should be done before Christmas”.
You want dates. You want stages. And you want to know what happens if they fall behind.
How do we handle changes?
Because there will be changes. You’ll spot something you want to tweak. The builder might find something unexpected. Agree upfront how extras will be quoted, approved, and charged. Otherwise, you’ll spend half your budget on “just one more thing”.
Do I need planning permission or building regs?
If the job’s more than just painting a wall, you need to ask, according to Simon Miles from fulhamlofts.co.uk.
Some builders will guide you through it. Others will say “that’s not my job”. But it is your risk. And councils don’t do second chances.
What kind of insurance do you have?
This is the one everyone forgets — until a ladder falls on their car. You need to ask about public liability and employee cover. You need proof. Not a shrug and a promise.
Can I see recent work or speak to past clients?
Would you book a holiday without reading a review?
Ask for photos. Ask for names. And ask them what went wrong. That’s where you’ll learn the most.
What happens if we fall out?
It’s awkward. But necessary. Disputes happen.
So ask:
- What’s the complaints process?
- Is there a contract clause for mediation?
- Is your deposit protected?
Knowing now is better than Googling “building dispute solicitor” later.
Final Thoughts
A good builder won’t be offended by your questions. A great one will welcome them. It means you care. It means you’re thinking.
And it means you’re far less likely to end up standing in the rain, staring at an unfinished extension, wondering where it all went wrong.
Make sure you’re asking the right questions before the first brick is laid.