FMB Contractor Search Launches Online

The Federation of Master Builders has launched a new service aimed at linking self-builders up with suitable local contractors to help complete their home building project.

The FMB’s free-to-use Find a Self-Build Contractor service draws on a database of over 1,500 local contractors who work in the design & build and self-build industries.

More self-build homes

“Interest in self-build is growing stronger every day and the government is now putting in place policies that should help more people to realise the vision of building their own home,” says Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB.

“As this happens, self-builders will need a pool of capable and experienced contractors, as well as a trusted means of finding the right one,” he continues. “That’s why the FMB has created this service.

“We’re very pleased to have been able to team up with the National Custom and Self-Build Association (NaCSBA) to deliver the service through the Self-Build Portal. This is the product of the building industry and self-build representatives working together to facilitate the growth of self and custom build, which will improve the choice available to customers in the new homes market.”

The tools to build your own home

The fact that the FMB has chosen to launch its service now – complementing existing online tools such as Build It’s magazine’s Self-Build Cost Calculator and Product Directory – underscores the strides that have been made in gaining recognition for self-build.

“This is good news for self-builders,” says Mike Hardwick, self-build representative at NaCSBA.  “It’s just one of the practical ways in which NaCSBA has been working with industry to make life easier for those contemplating building their own home and another good reason to check out the Self-Build Portal.”

“Personal recommendation is always the best way to find contractors as they are a known quantity from the outset, but I’ve used the FMB find a builder service several times on behalf of clients outside my local area who simply don’t have any leads of their own,” says Mike – who also runs self-build courses at the National Self-Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon. “What I like about the FMB service is that they refine the contractors down to the three most suitable for you in your area.  This avoids the problem of being overwhelmed with potential builders wanting your job – where do you start and who do you choose?  Having three who are keen to do the work and who will have been vetted by the FMB as competent and solvent contractors gives you confidence that you will ultimately make the right decision and hire the right builder.”

For more advice on hiring and managing contractors, check out Mike’s comprehensive guide to sourcing trades.

Government support

Speaking about the FMB’s new service, Richard Bacon (MP for South Norfolk and chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Self-Build, Custom Build and Independent House Building) highlighted how finding a suitable builder can be a headache for self-builders who lack first-hand experience of the construction trade.

“This is where the FMB’s Find a Self-Build Contractor service can help you. Every builder belonging to the Federation must have satisfied a comprehensive set of background checks and agreed to a rigorous Code of Practice and dispute resolution – offering peace of mind to potential clients,” he said. “I would highly recommend prospective self-builders draw on the Federation’s knowledge and experience to complete their dream home.”

Mr Bacon’s Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Bill is due a second reading in Parliament on 24^th October. Follow the latest news about the Bill at our Right to Build Hub.