“They have great reviews.”
Do the reviews form a consistent picture across different sources?
BUILDER DUE DILIGENCE, MADE CLEAR
Big building plans.
Better questions.
Before you hand over a substantial deposit or sign a contract, find out more about the business behind your builder's quotation.
RESEARCH-LED. EVIDENCE-FOCUSED.
DESIGNED FOR HOMEOWNERS.
Big project?Know who you're dealing with.
CHECK BEFORE YOU COMMIT.INDEPENDENT · CLEAR · PRACTICAL
THE DECISION BEFORE THE BUILD
A good review is a start.
It's not the whole picture.
Recommendations, photographs and five-star ratings can help you find a builder. But they may not tell you who operates the business, how long it has traded, or whether claims being made can be checked.
Builder Background brings relevant information together in a clear written report so you can make a more informed decision before committing to major work.
What can be checked? ↗LOOK BEYOND FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Three reassuring statements.
Three useful questions.
“They've traded for years.”
Does the business history support the claims being made?
“They're fully insured.”
What evidence has been provided, and what still needs confirmation?
WHAT WE INVESTIGATE
The business behind
the quotation.
We use relevant public records, information you provide and supporting evidence where available. Each enquiry is scoped to the builder and the records that exist.
Business identity
Company and trading details, names and consistency across sources.
Trading history
Available records, director appointments and former business names.
Reputation signals
Reviews and identifiable patterns that may deserve further questions.
Credentials & claims
Checks against relevant public registers and evidence supplied.
Company filings
Available filings and visible warning signs, with limitations explained.
Questions to ask
A practical list of points to resolve before you proceed.
Important: Information availability varies. We distinguish verified facts from gaps and unconfirmed claims. This is not a structural survey, legal opinion, credit report or guarantee of a builder's future performance.
A SIMPLE PROCESS
Three steps.
A clearer view.
We keep the process straightforward and explain the scope before payment.
Start an enquiry ↗01
Tell us about the builder
Send their business name, location, website and any relevant details.
02
We examine the evidence
Relevant records are reviewed, findings documented and gaps identified.
03
Receive a clear report
We separate established facts from open questions and suggest sensible next steps.
THE FINISHED REPORT
Useful evidence.
Not another star rating.
A concise written report with sources, relevant observations, gaps in the available evidence and questions worth putting to the builder.
- Documented sources
- Clear findings and limitations
- Unverified claims highlighted
- Practical questions before committing
BBUILDER BACKGROUND
ILLUSTRATIVE REPORT FORMATIndependent
Builder Review
Business identity REVIEWED
Trading history REVIEWED
Supporting evidence TO CONFIRM
Example layout only. No real findings shown.ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Built on an
investigative mindset.
Builder Background was founded by Chris, a former Metropolitan Police officer with 15 years' service, including specialist operational roles.
His experience includes evidence gathering and assessment, preparing case papers and giving evidence in court. That methodical approach informs how we organise research and distinguish facts from assumptions.
Builder Background is an independent private service, not affiliated with the police. We do not offer legal representation, building inspections or guarantees about contractors.
START HERE
Before you say yes,
ask a few more questions.
Considering a builder for an extension or renovation? Tell us who you're looking at and we'll confirm whether the check is suitable and what's included.
PROPOSED INTRODUCTORY PRICE£249Scope confirmed before payment. No payment taken on this website.
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