Articles
Plain-English guides for UK homeowners about to hire a builder. How to verify a contractor on Companies House, what to do when a builder goes bust, how to spot a rogue trader before signing — the things that matter before a deposit changes hands.
Each guide is written for a specific situation and cross-references UK consumer-protection sources where relevant. For UK construction cost ranges by job type, see our cost guides instead.
What to do if your builder goes bust mid-project
A practical sequence for the days after a UK builder's company enters insolvency or is dissolved: preserving your contractual position, recovering money, and finishing the work.
Read the guide →
The builder took my deposit and won't reply: what to do
A clear sequence for the moment a paid deposit looks like a loss: how to verify what's actually happened, recover the money, and what realistically follows when recovery isn't possible.
Read the guide →
Phoenix companies in UK construction: how to spot one before you hire
The legal mechanics of phoenix companies in UK construction, the patterns to look for on Companies House, and what the practice actually means for the homeowner about to pay a deposit.
Read the guide →
Should I hire a VAT-registered builder?
What VAT registration tells you about a UK builder, when it costs you 20% more, when it makes no difference, and when it actually saves you money.
Read the guide →
Signs of a rogue builder: what to watch for before you sign
The behavioural, paperwork, and quote-level signals that distinguish a problematic UK builder from a busy one. Pattern-recognition you can apply before you commit a deposit.
Read the guide →
How to check a builder on Companies House before hiring
A step-by-step guide to verifying a UK builder's company status, filing history, and director record on Companies House, and what those checks actually tell you.
Read the guide →
