10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Local Builder in Faversham

When embarking on a building project, whether it’s a home extension, a new-build, or a renovation, choosing the right builder is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. Working with a local builder in Faversham has its advantages, such as familiarity with the area and its regulations. However, you’ll want to ensure the builder you select is professional, reliable, and fits your specific needs and budget.

To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve compiled ten essential questions to ask before hiring a local builder. These questions will give you insight into their expertise, communication, and ability to deliver your vision on time and within budget.

Before signing any contracts, verifying that your local builder in Faversham is properly licensed and insured is imperative. Licensing is a tell-tale sign of credibility and adherence to local building regulations. Additionally, insurance protects your property and their employees in case of accidental damage or injuries.

Being in a small town like Faversham, where word-of-mouth matters, reputable builders often, but do not always, ensure they meet all legal requirements to maintain community trust. Trust sometimes lets people’s guard down and make assumptions about things as important as insurance. Be sure to ask for proof of both licensing and insurance and ensure they’re up to date.

One of the most effective ways to gauge the reliability of a builder is by speaking to past clients. Ask for references who can share their experiences working with the company, and, if possible, visit completed projects to see the quality of the work firsthand.

Since Faversham is a close-knit community, online reviews and local reputation will also play an essential role in assessing credibility. Platforms like Google Reviews, Facebook Reviews, or Trustatrader are a great starting point for researching customer satisfaction.

Trust comes with experience, especially in a local area such as Faversham. A builder who has been operating for many years will likely be familiar with local building codes, planning permissions, and potential challenges that could arise in the area. They are also more likely to have formed strong relationships with local suppliers, which could lead to better pricing on materials.

By choosing a long-established builder in Faversham, you can feel confident knowing they have a proven track record within the community.

Delays and unexpected setbacks can often turn a dream project into a nightmare. When hiring a builder, discuss their anticipated timeline and how they plan to stick to it. Experienced builders will provide a clear schedule and anticipate potential challenges such as adverse weather or supply chain issues.

In Faversham, a historic town where construction sometimes involves working around listed buildings or conservation guidelines, ensure they allocate time for planning permission or unforeseen complications.

In the UK, planning permissions and permits are often required for large projects. Towns like Faversham, with their rich heritage, may have specific requirements due to listed properties or conservation areas.

Ask your builder if they will handle planning permission or guide you. A professional local builder with experience working in the Faversham area will likely know the ins and outs of local government requirements. This expertise can save you unnecessary stress and delays. Equally, if you are looking to save on costs, handling the planning permission side and outsourcing the manual work to the builder is a great way to save some money. It depends on your appetite for getting involved and learning the planning process.

No one wants to face surprise bills halfway through a project. A trustworthy builder will provide a transparent breakdown of costs and discuss payment schedules before work begins.

Ensure you ask about any potential extra charges and how these will be communicated if they arise. You should also confirm whether payments are staged or due upon completion of milestones. This clarity early on ensures there’s no confusion about pricing as the project progresses.

It’s important to know the people who will be working on your home. Will the builder employ subcontractors, or will in-house employees handle the job? For a project in Faversham, it’s also worth asking whether the team has local knowledge about the area’s specific needs and regulations.

Understanding who will be on-site also gives you insight into the company’s ability to manage its workforce and ensures you can hold them accountable for quality.

Reputable builders stand by the quality of their work. Ask about any guarantees or warranties they provide for both materials and workmanship.



For construction projects in Faversham, ensure any guarantees are suitable for the often variable weather conditions in the South East. For example, roofing or outdoor work should offer durability against harsh winters and wet summers.

Having a warranty not only offers peace of mind but also confidence that your builder will resolve any issues if something goes wrong after the project is completed.

A written, detailed contract is key to ensuring there’s no room for misunderstanding between you and your builder. This document should outline the agreed scope of work, schedule, payment terms, and what happens in the event of disputes or delays.

Before you sign, carefully review the contract to ensure all promises made during discussions are included. A professional builder will encourage you to take time to review the document and make amendments if necessary.

Good communication is the backbone of any successful project. Before hiring a builder in Faversham, ask how they plan to keep you updated on progress. Will there be regular site meetings, phone calls, or email updates?

Clear communication ensures that you remain informed about the project every step of the way, and it helps build confidence in the builder’s management capabilities.

Hiring the right builder for your project in Faversham can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free process and a frustrating experience. By asking these ten essential questions, you’ll better understand whether a builder is trustworthy, professional, and suited to your needs.

At Towergate Builders & Developers, we pride ourselves on our transparent approach, high-quality craftsmanship, and extensive experience in the Faversham area. If you’re planning a building project and want expert advice from a local team that understands your vision, why not contact us today?

Contact Towergate Builders & Developers now for a free consultation and quote on your next project. Let’s bring your vision to life together.