How to Choose a Builder in Bristol

Bristol's steep hillside terrain and mix of Georgian Clifton terraces, Victorian Bedminster and Southville streets, and the bohemian conservation areas of Montpelier and St Werburghs mean a builder who's excellent on a flat, standard terrace elsewhere might not have the right experience for a sloping Totterdown garden or a listed Clifton townhouse.

Ask about slope and conservation experience specifically

If your property sits on a steep plot or inside Clifton's conservation area, ask directly whether the builder has handled retaining structures or listed/conservation area consent before - both are genuinely more specialised than standard terrace work.

Before you commit

• Public liability insurance - see the actual certificate.
• Recent, verifiable reviews - ideally with photos, from contactable customers.
• A written, itemised quote - labour, materials and provisional sums separated out.
• Structural engineer sign-off for sloping sites - ask whether this is included or a separate cost.

Compare like with like

Give every builder the same written brief. A wide spread between quotes for identical work usually means one has missed something, particularly where a sloping site is involved.