A lot of what goes on in the groundworks phase of any building project happens below the surface. You could probably be forgiven, then, for not appreciating the importance of this stage! But when you think that laying the foundations of a building almost certainly decides how long the building will stand the test of time, then it’s obvious it’s a critical stage of every new construction scheme.

If you are planning a building project of your own – whether that’s a small extension or a large new build – here are a few tips on how to choose the best contractors for the job.

Experience and a Sound Track Record Is Essential

First, look for experience in any groundworks contractor. You need to know that they have a good track record in completing work that’s similar to the project you are planning. Ask to see a portfolio of building projects they have worked on previously and see if the standard of services they have supplied match your own requirements. You should expect them to be able to provide references from past clients, along with reviews and testimonials. And when you’re speaking to them about your own project, you should get a good sense of whether they understand your needs and wishes by the answers they offer to your questions.

Next, ascertain whether they have the right qualifications to carry out your work. Most major building projects will be subject to Building Regulations, so you want to be sure the work this contractor does for you will pass the relevant inspections. Another way to be more confident about the quality of work you’ll receive is to ensure the staff employed by the firm have recognised accreditations, such as CSCS, CPCS and NVQ qualifications.

Safety Is a Paramount Consideration Too

You need to know that your groundworks contractor places Health and Safety at the heart of all they do. This is critical in any building situation. Workers must be protected while on site, as must anyone who lives or works in the vicinity. A good contractor will carry out Health and Safety and risk assessments before work even begins and then again at intervals throughout the project. There should be clearly defined procedures in place that are adhered to at every stage of the job in hand.

The final quality to look for in a groundworks firm is reliability. The successful completion of your project depends on the right workers turning up at the right time as the job progresses. You need to know that the project will be completed on time and to budget. You can check this by asking previous clients what their experience was of working with a particular company. Sometimes, it’s inevitable that problems outside the builder or the client’s control will crop up. That shouldn’t put you off using a firm – what’s important is how they dealt with those problems. If communication was effective throughout and the issue was resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, then that’s a further sign of a good builder.

VP Lewis Groundworks is a Dorset based firm that meets all the criteria above. We’d be pleased to offer a free quote for your project and supply references for past jobs. Call us today.