Hiring the right builder in Salisbury can make the difference between a smooth, on-budget project and a stress spiral. This step-by-step guide shows you how to shortlist local builders, compare quotations like-for-like, check credentials, set expectations, and avoid the classic pitfalls—so you can build with confidence.

Prefer to talk to a team now? Explore our services and contact us for a friendly consultation.

Where to start your search (and what to look for)

Match builder to project type

Extensions, loft conversions, new builds, and groundworks need different skill profiles. Review a builder's portfolio for your project type.

Check local presence

Local teams know Salisbury planning nuances, supply chains, and trades. Start with local builder pages and ask about recent work nearby.

Look for clarity

Clear processes, written scopes, and proactive updates are green flags. Browse our portfolio and about page to see how we work.

How to build a reliable shortlist

—Shortlist 2–3 builders with proven renovation or extension experience like yours.
—Ask to see similar projects—attic dormers, kitchen extensions, or garage conversions—and speak to those clients.
—Request draft programmes (timeline outlines) to understand resourcing and sequencing.
—Confirm who manages building control sign-offs and structural coordination.

Pro tip: A builder who asks good questions early will produce a more accurate quotation and a smoother build.

Comparing quotes like-for-like (so the cheapest isn't secretly the most expensive)

Ask each builder for a breakdown that clearly separates labour, materials, plant, and provisional sums (estimates for items not fully specified). Then compare the same scope, apples-to-apples.

What your comparison should include

—Detailed inclusions/exclusions (e.g. kitchen fit, flooring, decorating).
—Assumptions on finishes and allowances.
—Scaffold, waste removal, and site welfare.
—Contingency approach (how variations are handled).

Watch out for: vague allowances for "electrical" or "plumbing". Clarify points count, fittings, and specification to avoid costly variations later.

Credentials, insurance & references

—Public liability and (where applicable) employer's liability insurance.
—Qualifications/trade affiliations as relevant to the work.
—References from recent clients and permission to see live or completed sites.
—Health & safety method statements and risk assessments for higher-risk works and groundworks.

Scope, contracts & payment terms

Agree a written scope of works and contract before starting. Clarify:

—Payment schedule aligned to milestones (not just dates).
—Site hours, access, and protection of existing areas.
—Who orders long-lead items and when.
—Defects period and how snagging is handled.

Not sure what needs planning? Read: Do I need planning permission for a loft conversion?

Timeline, project management & communication

Agree how updates will be delivered (weekly email, site meetings, shared checklist). Request a programme that shows key stages: strip-out, structure, first fix, plaster, second fix, completion.

Helpful resource: If you're building from scratch, see our new builds overview for typical stages and decision points.

Common red flags to avoid

—Unusually low quote with many allowances or missing detail.
—No written contract or refusal to provide insurance docs.
—"We'll figure it out on site" instead of clarifying drawings/spec.
—Poor communication during quoting—this won't improve on site.

Costs & budgeting (realistic expectations)

Budgets depend on scope, spec, and access. For a deeper dive on extension pricing and cost drivers, start with our guide: House Extension Cost in Salisbury.

Next steps: who we help and how we work

We deliver high-quality extensions, renovations, loft conversions, new builds and groundworks across Salisbury and Wiltshire—managing the process clearly from brief to handover.

Ready to get started? Tell us about your project via our contact page or learn more about why homeowners choose us: why we stand out.

FAQs: Choosing a Builder in Salisbury

How many quotes should I get?

Two to three detailed quotes are ideal. More than that slows decisions and rarely adds clarity—focus on quality and comparability.

What documents should I see before work starts?

Insurance certificates, a written scope and programme, contract with payment terms, and (if needed) a method statement/risk assessment.

Do I need planning permission?

It depends on the project. Many internal works don't need it; some extensions and loft conversions do. Read our local explainer on planning permission and ask us to review your situation.

How do I reduce the risk of overspend?

Specify finishes early, remove allowances where possible, and agree a process for variations in writing. Choose a builder who communicates proactively.

Can you help with design and building control?

Yes. We coordinate with architects and structural engineers and manage building control sign-offs. See our services for how we handle each stage.

Complete Construction Salisbury Ltd — Local experts in quality construction across Salisbury & Wiltshire. Visit our homepage, browse our portfolio, or contact us to discuss your project.

How to Choose the Right Builder in Salisbury: A Practical Homeowner's Guide

Quick links