A builder is more than a contractor. They’re your partner in realising a dream. Choose wisely, and you’re building more than bricks and mortar - you’re building trust.
RISE Design Studio's Imran Jahn on site with a client — discussing construction progress and builder coordination to ensure the project stays on track.
At RISE Design Studio, we’ve seen projects soar - and others stumble - based on one thing: the builder. Even the most brilliant architectural idea can be unravelled by poor workmanship, delays, and miscommunication. So before you commit, breathe deep, slow down, and ask the right questions. Here's our tried-and-tested approach to finding a builder who won't just deliver the work, but will protect your vision.
Sustainable architecture relies on solid construction - no shortcuts. That begins with choosing a builder whose values align with yours: care, quality, responsibility.
→ Ask about accreditation: Are they a registered company? Members of any trade bodies? These signals matter.
→ Insurance isn’t optional: Public liability, employers’ liability, contractors’ all-risk - ask to see the documents, and make sure they’re current.
→ Guarantees matter: Will they still answer the phone in five years? A solid written guarantee backed by insurance gives peace of mind.
You’re not being fussy. You’re safeguarding your home - and your investment.
→ Who’s actually running your site?
A builder is only as good as their site manager. Do they have the skills to communicate clearly and coordinate effectively? Have they done a project like this before?
→ What’s the team behind the scenes?
The quality of support staff and technical crew is just as critical. Ask for CVs — you have every right to know who’s handling the nuts and bolts.
→ Is their quote transparent and complete?
A proper quote isn’t a loose estimate. It’s detailed, fixed, and includes VAT. It should be tied to drawings, building regs, and a realistic timeline — with your architect looped in.
→ Will they work under a RIBA or JCT contract?
Builders who won’t sign formal agreements should set off alarm bells. Your contract is your legal and financial safety net. Don’t skip it.
→ View previous work - but go further.
Call the architect on the job. Ask if the builder stuck to the drawings, finished on time, and handled site changes gracefully.
→ Online reviews help - but references are better
A good builder should be proud to share testimonials. Speak to people who’ve been through the journey. Ask the tough questions: Did they show up when they said they would? Was the quality worth the cost?
→ Research the company history
How long have they been trading? Have they dissolved previous companies? A quick credit check can reveal a lot. You’re not just buying labour - you’re buying reputation.
→ Architect as Contract Administrator = peace of mind
At RISE, we always recommend that our clients appoint us for Contract Administration. Why? Because when challenges arise onsite - and they always do - you’ll want someone experienced in your corner, protecting your timeline, your budget, and your design intent.
→ We keep your build sustainable — not just in materials, but in process
Weekly site visits. Transparent milestone payments. Coordinated H&S checks. We’re there to stop small problems from becoming big ones.
→ Don’t go it alone
Choosing a builder shouldn’t feel like a gamble. With the right team beside you, it’s a calculated step toward something extraordinary.
Here's a simplified version of our internal checklist — the one we use before recommending any builder to a client:
✓ Are they registered and insured?
✓ Do they work with formal contracts?
✓ Can they demonstrate experience in similar jobs?
✓ Do they welcome architects managing the process?
✓ Do they guarantee their work in writing?
✓ Do they respect sustainability goals and design details?
✓ Do past architects and clients vouch for them?
→ If the answer’s yes across the board, you're in good hands. If not, keep looking. Your future self will thank you.
At RISE, we don’t just design buildings. We help create spaces that improve lives. That only happens when the right hands build the right vision, guided by care, craft, and commitment.
So take your time. Choose wisely. Build well.
And if you'd like an architect to walk beside you - eyes wide open, clipboard in hand - we’re ready when you are.
Let's build something remarkable - together.
If you would like to talk through your project with the team, please do get in touch at architects@risedesignstudio.co.uk or give us a call on 020 3947 5886
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