Why Choosing the Right Builder Matters
Hiring a builder in Perth is one of the most important decisions you'll make during a renovation or extension project. Get it right and you'll enjoy a smooth, well-managed build that delivers exactly what you expected. Get it wrong and you could face delays, cost overruns, poor workmanship, and months of stress.
The construction industry in Scotland isn't as heavily regulated as you might think. Anyone can call themselves a builder — there's no mandatory licensing for general contractors. That means the responsibility falls on you, the homeowner, to do your due diligence.
Here are 10 things to check before hiring any builder in Perth or Perthshire.
1. Check Their Insurance
Every professional builder should carry public liability insurance (minimum £2 million) and employer's liability insurance if they have staff. Ask to see certificates — not just hear that they're insured.
Public liability covers damage to your property and injuries to third parties during the build. Without it, you could be liable for any accidents on site.
2. Look for Trade Body Membership
Membership of a recognised trade body shows a builder has been vetted and agrees to work to certain standards. In Scotland, look for membership of:
- Association of Master Tradesmen (AMT)
- Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
- Scottish Building Standards
At Marshall & Co, we're members of the Association of Master Tradesmen, which means our work is independently inspected and we adhere to a strict code of practice.
3. Ask for References — and Follow Up
Any reputable builder should be happy to provide references from recent projects. But don't just take the names — actually call or visit previous clients. Ask:
- Was the project completed on time?
- Was it on budget, or were there unexpected costs?
- How was communication during the build?
- Would they hire the builder again?
Better yet, ask if you can visit a completed project in person. Photos can be deceiving — seeing the quality of work first-hand tells you far more.
4. Get Multiple Quotes — But Don't Just Choose the Cheapest
We always recommend getting at least three quotes for any significant project. But the lowest price isn't always the best value. If one quote is significantly cheaper than the others, ask yourself why.
Common reasons for low quotes include:
- Cheaper materials or thinner specifications
- Subcontracting to unvetted tradespeople
- No allowance for contingencies
- Deliberately under-quoting to win the job, then adding extras later
A good quote should be detailed and itemised, breaking down every element of the work so you can compare like for like.
5. Check Their Track Record with Similar Projects
A builder who specialises in house extensions isn't necessarily the right choice for a kitchen renovation. Look for a contractor with proven experience in the type of project you're planning.
Ask to see photos of completed projects similar to yours. Look at the quality of finishes — tiling, plastering, joinery, and paintwork are all good indicators of overall workmanship.
6. Get Everything in Writing
A professional builder will provide a written contract that covers:
- Scope of work
- Fixed price with payment schedule
- Start and completion dates
- Specification of materials
- Process for handling variations
- Warranty terms
Never rely on verbal agreements. If it's not in writing, it didn't happen.
7. Understand Their Project Management Process
How does the builder manage the project day-to-day? Who's your main point of contact? How will you receive progress updates? What happens if a problem arises?
At Marshall & Co, every project has a dedicated project manager who coordinates all trades, manages the schedule, and provides regular updates. You'll never be left wondering what's happening on site.
8. Check Their Online Presence
A legitimate, established builder should have:
- A professional website
- A Google Business Profile with genuine reviews
- Photos of completed work
- Clear contact details and a physical address
Be cautious of builders who operate only through Facebook or have no verifiable online presence. Check Google reviews, and pay attention to how the builder responds to any negative feedback.
9. Ask About Their Team
Does the builder use their own employees or subcontract everything? Both approaches can work, but you want to know who'll actually be in your home. Ask:
- Are the tradespeople directly employed?
- Are they qualified and experienced?
- Will the same team be on site throughout?
- Do they have valid CSCS cards?
Consistency of team matters. Having the same tradespeople on site from start to finish leads to better quality and fewer communication problems.
10. Trust Your Instincts
This might sound soft, but it matters. You're going to be working with this builder for weeks or months. They'll be in your home every day. If something feels off during the quoting process — if they're evasive, pushy, or dismissive of your questions — that's unlikely to improve once work starts.
A good builder is honest, communicative, and genuinely interested in delivering a great result. They'll take time to understand your vision, explain the process clearly, and set realistic expectations.
Why Perth Homeowners Choose Marshall & Co
We've been delivering home renovations across Perth and Perthshire for over 15 years. Here's what sets us apart:
- Fully insured with public liability and employer's liability cover
- AMT members — independently vetted and inspected
- Fixed-price quotes — no hidden extras or surprise costs
- Dedicated project management on every job
- 100+ completed projects across Perth, Dundee, Kinross, and Crieff
- 5-star Google reviews from real clients
Get a free estimate or call us on 07940 568877.
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