Top Tips for Selecting a Trustworthy Builder for Your Dream Home

victoria9172
Jan 12
2 min read

Choosing a builder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when improving your home and, unfortunately, one of the easiest places to get it wrong.

With rising construction costs and increasing demand, homeowners are often left unsure who to trust. Stories of unfinished work, poor workmanship, disappearing builders and unexpected costs are far more common than they should be.

So how do you protect yourself and you home?

Start With the Right Questions

A reputable builder should welcome questions not avoid them. At a minimum, you should be asking:

Are you properly insured?
Can I see examples of recent work?
Do you provide clear contracts and payment schedules?
Are you a member of a recognised trade body?

That last point is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most important.

Why the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Is a Trusted Starting Point

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the UK’s largest and longest-established trade association for construction. Membership isn’t automatic builders are vetted and must meet strict standards before being accepted.

FMB members are required to:

Work to a recognised Code of Conduct
Demonstrate proven experience and quality of workmanship
Operate professionally and ethically as a business
Offer clear communication and customer care
Engage in dispute resolution if issues arise

For homeowners, the FMB also provides clear, practical guidance, including:

How to Look for a Builder
A Guide to Working with a Builder
Advice on contracts, payments, and expectations

These resources exist to level the playing field — helping homeowners make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Raising Standards Across the Industry: Licence to Build

At KingsRock Construction, we strongly support the proposed Licence to Build, currently being pushed through Parliament.

This initiative aims to:

Raise minimum standards across the construction industry
Crack down on bogus and unqualified builders
Protect homeowners from poor practice
Support reputable builders who take pride in doing things properly

Construction is one of the few industries where anyone can currently present themselves as a builder with little accountability. Licence to Build is about changing that — for the benefit of clients, communities and the industry as a whole.

What This Means at KingsRock Construction

For us, these principles aren’t marketing they’re embedded in how we work.

KingsRock Construction is a proud FMB member, and our Director sits on the FMB Southern Counties Board, actively contributing to raising standards, improving professionalism, and shaping the future of the industry.

That means:

Quality and compliance are non-negotiable
Transparency and communication matter
We take responsibility for our work — start to finish
We believe homeowners deserve clarity, honesty and confidence

When you choose a reputable builder, you’re not just protecting your project — you’re supporting better standards across construction.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning work on your home, take your time.

Do your checks.

Ask the questions.

And consider FMB membership as a key marker of trust.

Good builders want regulation, accountability and higher standards because it protects everyone involved.

If you’d like to learn more about working with an FMB builder or explore the guidance available, we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.

Quality. Integrity. Accountability.