How to Choose a Builder in Cardiff

Cardiff's dense Victorian terraces in Cathays and Roath, the more affluent streets of Pontcanna and Llandaff, and the newer housing further out each suit different builder experience - a specialist in tight terraced extensions isn't necessarily who you want for a Llandaff conservation area project.

Ask about the specific area

"Have you worked on a property like this nearby?" is more useful than a general "do you cover Cardiff?" - genuine local experience means knowing whether a street sits inside a conservation area and how Cardiff Council tends to handle applications for that type of property.

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.
• Familiarity with Welsh planning rules - worth confirming they understand these differ from England's.

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.