Choosing a Builder: Vetting, References & Site Visits
Guide by BAYT

If you’re about to invest in a home renovation or extension in Dublin, and especially if you’re planning a design-build project, choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you will make.

It’s not just about price or the number of years in business. It’s about trust, communication, and seeing the reality on the ground.

Below are three key areas to focus on: vetting, references, and site visits, and how they tie into our design-and-build approach at BAYT.

1. Vetting the Builder

Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to make sure the builder is properly qualified, reliable, and fully transparent about what they’re offering.

What to check:

• Registration and insurance: In Ireland, a builder should ideally be listed on the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) or registered with equivalent professional bodies
• Credentials and documentation: Ask for evidence of public liability insurance, employer’s liability insurance (where staff are involved), and tax compliance
• Detailed quote and contract: Ensure there is a written, itemised quotation and a contract covering scope, timelines, payment stages, variations, and retention
• Avoid red flags: Vague communication, cash-only deals, unusually low quotes, missing schedules, or unclear timelines should raise concern

How Our Model Helps You Here

With BAYT’s design-and-build model, the vetting stage becomes more straightforward and secure.

Because we manage both the design and construction under one umbrella, you benefit from:

• A single point of responsibility
• Clear coordination of scope, budget, and programme
• One contract and one agreed timeline

This significantly reduces miscommunication and helps build trust from the outset.

2. Checking References & Previous Work

There’s no substitute for hearing directly from someone who’s been through the process with that builder, and ideally seeing the results for yourself.

What to do:

• Ask for client references: Reputable builders should be able to connect you with previous clients. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) highlights reference checks as a critical step
• Visit completed projects: If possible, view a finished or near-complete project to assess workmanship, organisation, cleanliness, and attention to detail
• Ask the right questions: How were budgets managed? How were unexpected changes handled? Was communication clear? Were deadlines met? How many jobs were running simultaneously?

These real-life insights often reveal far more than marketing material or a polished brochure.

How We Help You Here

Because BAYT delivers both design and build, our reference projects showcase more than construction quality alone.

You’ll see:

• Design intent carried through accurately into the build
• Clear timeline adherence and cost control
• Minimal disconnect between what was promised and what was delivered

When you visit our reference projects, you’re seeing the full service in action, not just a builder arriving after plans are finished. That continuity builds confidence and reassurance.

3. Site Visits & Live Job Checks

A builder’s current site offers a real-time insight into how they operate day to day.

What to look for:

• Visit an active site: Observe cleanliness, safety protocols, material storage, and general organisation. A well-run site is a strong indicator of professionalism
• Observe communication and management: Are trades coordinated? Is the builder visible and engaged? Strong on-site leadership reduces the risk of shortcuts
• Discuss your project on site: Ask how they would approach your specific type of work. Their understanding and confidence reveal real experience

How We Help You Here

Because BAYT directly manages labour and site operations, visiting one of our live projects shows our process in action.

You’ll see:

• Our foreperson actively managing the site
• Design team involvement during construction
• Structured progress updates and clear communication with homeowners

This transparency builds trust and helps clients feel included rather than removed from the process.

4. Why Our Model Offers an Extra Layer of Confidence

Many homeowners still follow a traditional route: separate architect and builder, two contracts, and potentially competing interests.

The SCSI notes that building or renovating is a major investment, which is why many people prefer professional oversight.

With BAYT:

• You work with one organisation from initial sketches through to completion
• The design phase is directly tied to budget and build feasibility from day one
• Subcontractors, materials, site management, and client updates are coordinated centrally
• You remain informed and involved, which is psychologically important during a major home investment

When you review our insurance, references, and live sites, you’re evaluating one unified team, not a fragmented process.

5. Final Thoughts – How to Move Forward Wisely

Choosing a builder should never be rushed. The SCSI emphasises planning, budgeting, and allowing time for proper selection.

Practical advice:

• Write a clear brief: define your goals, budget, and timeframe
• Seek two or three options and compare quality, not just price
• Be present during the build: ask questions, visit the site, stay informed
• Choose a partner you trust; with design-build, you’re forming a relationship, not just signing a contract

If you’re planning to renovate or extend in Dublin (or nearby) and want a team that manages both design and build, we’d be happy to show you our portfolio, live sites, references, and explain how we make the process clearer, smoother, and more enjoyable.