What does a BUILDER do?
Here are our key tips and tricks to get you in the know and help make your working relationship a success
Words: Stefanie Gerdes S
o you’ve designed your extension with an architect, managed to get planning permission (if needed), and you’ve also scoped out kitchen showrooms you’ll
want to visit – but one crucial step is missing. We’re talking, of course, about the builder – or team of builders – to make your plans become reality. But what should you expect when working with
this trade? What do you need to know or do, beyond stocking up on tea and preparing yourself for a lot of dust? Read on to find out how to make the most of your working relationship…
What is a builder? The hint is in the name – they build structures. Whether it’s an extension, a whole house, or large commercial properties, every one of these projects needs a builder or a whole team of contractors. To enter this line of work, builders usually start
out as an apprentice under the supervision of more experienced workers. Many also attend a training course, but hands-on experience is essential. They’ll learn about construction techniques, how to read technical drawings, and about using tools and operating machinery – and of course, health and safety regulations play an important part, too.
What does a builder do? Apart from the construction side of things, builders do a lot of the preparation work too. First of all they stake out the site, which means erecting barriers if they are needed and putting up all necessary signs, from must-do safety warnings (think ‘high voltage’ and ‘hard hats must be worn’) to those advertising the company doing the works. They’ll also ensure all materials are on site when they are needed, if agreed, and bring the equipment
they’ll require, too – be that a digger, crane, or other machinery or the humble toolbox. Once construction begins, there’ll usually be
a certain order different things need to be done in – the order of works. The column on the right has an overview of all the common steps, but bear in mind your project might have different needs. And when everything is done, your builder should clear up after themselves, leaving you with a sparkling new addition to your home – although your garden might need a bit of TLC, especially if it’s been the main route for building materials.
Why do I need one? Erecting a building is a hard job and comes with a lot of safety implications. You might be okay at building a small wall around a flowerbed – but for anything bigger, it’s always best to hire a builder. Not only do they know how to build a straight
wall (which, believe us, is much harder than many think), they’re also experts at spotting potential safety issues. Maybe the foundation you planned isn’t suitable, or an issue has cropped up when digging for the foundations, such as a drain or hidden mains – a good builder will be a problem solver and offer you a workable solution.
Pricing As each company can set its prices differently, depending on the materials needed and how big the team working on your project will be, it’s hard to put a number on paper. Generally, however, you should expect to invest around a third of your overall budget into the building works. As always, remember to get at least three different quotes from separate companies or self-employed builders, too, so you can compare them for what’s included and not.
KBB 7 STEPS OF
DID YOU KNOW?
Around 40% of Brits say their favourite way to drink tea is a good, strong builder’s brew*
BUILDING WORK
1 Your builder will start by staking the site and putting up barriers, signs, and getting materials, machinery, and equipment in. If the ground needs to be prepared, you might fi nd a digger or bulldozer in your garden. 2 Construction begins, usually with footings and foundations. Then your builder will mark where walls go and start by raising those on the perimeter. They’ll also erect the frame, fi tting beams, joists and roof. 3 If your project includes interior walls, your builder will usually raise them now, once the framework has been done. 4 Need to insulate your walls? That’s happening now. 5 Once walls and frames are in place, the builders install electrics, plumbing and gas connections. You might need to bring in separate trades, if the company you hired does not have their own. 6 The fi nishing work is carried out – think plastering the walls and fi tting windows and doors. If you hired them to do it, the builders will also lay fl ooring and paint the walls. 7 Clear down. The works are fi nished, so the builders will clean the site – and you can enjoy the fruits of their labour.
SUMMER 20 l KITCHENS BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS 123
Image:
iStock.com/trumzz *according to a study commissioned by Arla BOB milk published in the Independent
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