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Choosing a Great Builder

Choosing a great builder

Let's face it - choosing a builder can be a really stressful and difficult decision to make! At TED Construction & Developments Ltd, we understand how the presence of a team of builders can be a disruption to your home routine. Whether you're having a new kitchen, a small extension or a full on loft conversion, here are six tips for choosing the perfect builder.

Recommendations

Ask friends, family and neighbours for word of mouth recommendations. If they have had a positive experience hiring a building crew for a project, they will likely be happy to share information on their experience.

Online Research

When using an online search to find potential builders be sure to have a thorough look at the building company's website, online reviews and social pages. Images of previous work will give you an idea of experience and skills while the overall vibe of the website will give you an indication of whether they would be a good fit for you.

Memberships

When you are doing your further research, check the trade memberships your potential builder subscribes to.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the UK's largest construction trade association. To become a member of the FMB, a building company must pass a thorough vetting process which includes an independent, on site inspection of work carried out. TED Construction & Developments Ltd have been proud members of the FMB since 2019.

Checkatrade is another useful online resource for researching builders and related trades, of which the TED team are proud members. Checkatrade also carry out checks to ensure trades listed have valid PLI insurance as well as having controls in place to ensure that any reviews received are genuine.

Communication Is Key For Any Successful Building Project

Questions for your Builder

Have a long list of questions about the project you are proposing and ask about all aspects of working with your builder. A good builder is a problem solver and wants to make your project work for you, so be be prepared to ask detailed questions. Once you have your quote also be sure to question any elements on the quote that you do not understand. Establish whether there will be a specific project manager who you can liaise with during the course of the build. Communication is key for any successful building project.

The Building Team

Your builder may be a one man band who pulls in sub contractors for various parts of the project. Other building companies employ a small team so you will see a regular bunch of faces working on the project. Choose the builder you feel comfortable working with - as they may be around your home for a while!

Happy Client. Happy Builder

Despite the cliché of builders being unreliable as a trade, this is not always the case. Doing thorough research up front will help with choosing a great builder and, in turn, will ensure a happy, successful building experience.

If we can support you with your next building project, please contact the TED team on 01243 278018 or 07717 012415. Alternatively please drop us a line by email on info@tedltd.co.uk

Tommy

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Carpenter

Tom is an apprentice Carpenter who joined our team having come highly recommended by Chichester college. Tom has already completed a carpentry course at the college, where he was awarded student of the year! He will be completing further training through an apprenticeship with us to keep him at the very top of his game and expand further on his already sound knowledge and skills. Tom loves carpentry but is always happy to 'chip in' (see what we did there...) in all other areas to help out his team mates.

Fun Fact - Tom's skills are not limited to the building site! We have it on good information that Tom can do a back flip!! We haven't seen him do one just yet (health and safety and all that jazz!) but we have no doubt he is the best back flipper there is!

Our favourite thing about Tom - Whilst Tom is one of the younger members of the team- he is oozing confidence but is super polite with it! He has an amazing sense of humour and is always making us laugh. We are so proud to be supporting Tom through his carpentry career and we're excited to see what this already very skilled young man is capable of- watch this space!

Henry

Henry

Bricklayer

Henry is our apprentice Bricklayer which he has been working towards since joining us in 2023. Henry has taken to brickwork like a duck to water and we've had nothing but praise from his peers! Henry works extremely hard and always gives 110% - we've even caught him practically running with a wheelbarrow at the end of hard day! What a legend!

Fun fact - Henry has impeccable time keeping! He travels the furthest of all of our team and still always very much on time- well done Henners!

Our favourite thing about Henry - Henry is very humble, a quiet but very hardworking individual. Nothing is ever too much trouble and he's always willing to give things a go. Henry is super polite and helpful, and works like a trojan!

Peter

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Carpenter

Peter is a Carpenter by trade but we're not sure if there's anything this wonderful man can't do?! Having spent all of his working career in the construction industry, Peter has a huge wealth of knowledge and expertise and to top it off- he is one of the loveliest people you will ever meet! Peter has managed and run construction projects throughout his career so he really does know his stuff!

Fun fact - 'Back in the day' Pete was a proud punk rocker and went by the name of 'Peter the Punk'. Personally, we wish we could have seen it, but we're sure he's in still in there!

Our favourite thing about Peter - Peter is one of the kindest, most friendly and genuine gentlemen that you will ever meet. He hasn't got a bad word to say about anyone, he's polite, considerate, nothing is ever too much trouble (honestly the list goes on and on with this man!) and best of all- his smile is enough to light up a room! If you're ever having a down day- spend a few minutes with Pete and his permanent smile and it'll be enough to brighten even the darkest of days!