Choosing a contractor

For information to help you to choose a builder read NI Direct's 'Choosing a good builder'.

Many builders and contractors either register with a warranted builders’ scheme or opt to use a specified building contract whilst carrying out works. These schemes may help protect you if there is a dispute. 

For example, should your builder or contractor go out of business or fail to complete the work, in such cases both options have a dispute resolution service.

The ‘approved cost’ of the work may be more than £10,000.

In this case you must choose from one of the options below:

Option 1: Appointment of a warranted builder with Insurance Backed Guarantee

Option 2: Appointment of a non-warranted builder but using a Specified Building Contract or equivalent approved contract

Further Information for Option 1 can be found:

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
T: 028 9446 0416
E: fmbni@fmb.org.uk

Further Information for Option 2 can be found:

The Royal Society of Ulster Architects

JCT Ltd - Building Contract for a Home Owner Occupier

For more information about the Federation of Master Builders scheme read their advice on how to: 

Become a Master Builder

You should get estimates for the work from local builders or contractors. We recommend getting at least three estimate / quotes. 

This will help you complete the work at the best price possible.

You are responsible for making sure that you are happy with the standard of work of the builder or contractor you employ.

It may be useful to use an architect, surveyor or other professional to supervise the work for you.  Please note there is no grant-aid available to cover the cost of this service.

We administer grants on behalf of the Department for Communities.

The Housing Executive is not responsible for inspecting the standard of work of your builder or contractor.

You must have all electrical work carried out by a qualified electrical contractor.

They will provide you with a completion certificate when the work is finished.

You must use a specialist contractor to carry out this work.

They should be able to provide you with a guarantee for at least 15 years.

You may receive approval from us for a Replacement Grant.

You must then use a builder who can provide a 10 year guarantee for the completed work.

Your builder must be registered with:

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

T: 028 9446 0416 | E: fmbni@fmb.org.uk

You must not start any work until you receive an ‘Approval of Application’ in writing from us.

This approval confirms:

• how much grant aid you will get
• that you can start work
• the date by which you must finish the work

You must provide all the documentation and statutory approvals before we issue this.

It can take up to six months for us to provide an ‘Approval of Application’.

The following services may be able to offer you help in the applying for a Grant.

Radius Housing 

T: 033 0123 0888 (Staying Put Team)

Gable

T: 028 7188 2147

E: gable@shelterni.org (operates in Limavady, Derry~Londonderry, Magherafelt, Strabane).

For more information contact your local grants office:

T: 03448 920 900 (Textphone 18001 03448 920 900).