What to Expect When Hiring a Building Company:

When you’re planning a building project, whether it’s a home extension, a full refurbishment or the careful restoration of a period property, choosing the right building company isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s a decision that impacts every step of the journey. It impacts your timeline, your budget, your stress levels and ultimately, the quality of the space you’re creating.

At Point Builders, we don’t take that responsibility lightly. As a family-run business with 36 years of experience, we bring not just skill and structure to every job but a genuine commitment to doing things properly. Our name is on every project we complete, and we treat our clients' homes and buildings with the same care we would our own. We’ll walk you through what to expect when hiring a building company, what to look for in a trustworthy contractor and how a reliable team can make all the difference, especially when working on listed or character properties where there’s little room for error.

A building company is more than just a group of tradespeople turning up on-site with tools. The right team brings together skilled craftsmanship, strategic project management and a deep understanding of building regulations to take your vision from paper to finished structure - safely, legally and beautifully.

At Point Builders, we approach every project with a personal sense of pride. Our clients aren’t just transactions, they’re our neighbours, our partners and people we’re proud to work with. That mindset shapes the way we plan, communicate and deliver.

Whether you're planning a new build, a home extension, a full-scale home update or the restoration of a listed property, a building company like ours coordinates every moving part. From sourcing materials to managing subcontractors and liaising with councils, we handle it all, so you don’t have to.

Instead of juggling different suppliers and chasing updates, you get a single point of contact, a team you can trust and the peace of mind that comes from working with people who genuinely care about the outcome.

When it comes to building work, local really does matter. Hiring a building company based in your area means more than just convenience, it means working with a team that understands the nuances of local planning rules, the expectations of local councils and the character of the properties that shape Hertfordshire and Dorset.

Point Builders has spent over three decades navigating the local landscape, both literally and figuratively. Whether it’s securing planning permission for a listed property in St Albans, restoring The Crow on Fishpool Street or completing a loft conversion in Pinner, we’ve built strong relationships with local authorities and suppliers, saving you time, hassle and unnecessary delays.

Being local also means we’re nearby when it counts. Need to walk the site together? Want to talk through materials face-to-face? We’re just down the road, not across the country. And when you work with a business rooted in your area, reputation carries weight. We’ve grown through word-of-mouth, trusted recommendations and the quality of work that people can see right in their own neighbourhoods.

A local building company won’t just build your space, we’ll stand behind it, long after the job is done.

Working on a listed or period property is a privilege but it’s also a responsibility. These buildings carry character, history and architectural quirks that require a thoughtful, skilled approach. Unlike modern construction, there’s no one-size-fits-all method. Every beam, brick and arch tell a story and must be treated with care.

At Point Builders, this is where our experience shines. We’ve spent years restoring and modernising listed and period properties across Hertfordshire and Dorset, including churches, barn conversions, hotels, schools, hospitals and country clubs. Our team understands how to honour the original features while seamlessly integrating modern comforts like insulation, underfloor heating or contemporary kitchens.

Restoration work comes with its own set of challenges, from specialist materials, strict regulations, listed building consent and often, hidden surprises behind old walls. But for us, that’s part of the craft. We take the time to source appropriate materials, consult with conservation officers and ensure everything is done to the highest standard without cutting corners.

Because when it’s done right, a restored property doesn’t just retain its charm, it gains a whole new lease on life.

Homes evolve just like the people who live in them. What worked ten years ago may no longer suit your lifestyle today. Whether that’s needing more space, better energy efficiency or a layout that fits how you actually live. That’s where a modern revamp or extension can make all the difference.

At Point Builders, we help homeowners reimagine what’s possible. From open-plan kitchen-diners and loft conversions to double-storey extensions and complete internal overhauls. We take on projects that improve not just your property but your day-to-day life inside it.

We understand that extending or refurbishing your home is a big investment. It’s exciting but it can also be disruptive. That’s why our team works with clear timelines, steady communication and respect for your space and routine. We also ensure all work complies with the latest building regulations and energy standards, so your home not only looks better but performs better too.

You bring the vision; we’ll bring the tools, the team and the know-how to make it happen, with minimal stress and maximum impact.

Some projects require more than standard building work, they demand deep knowledge, specialist materials and careful coordination to preserve a property’s history or meet the needs of a public-facing space.

At Point Builders, we’ve delivered specialist projects across Hertfordshire and Dorset, including the restoration of schools, churches, barn conversions and country clubs. Each job comes with its own pressures: health and safety requirements, conservation approvals and the need to minimise disruption. That’s where our experience, planning and problem-solving really count.

We take pride in using traditional materials like lime plaster and flint, combined with modern energy-efficient features, to deliver results that honour the past while supporting the future.

Not all building companies are created equal. While many can carry out the basics, few bring the kind of care, consistency and professionalism that truly set them apart. So, what should you look for when choosing the right team?

At Point Builders, we believe it comes down to five key things:

1. Clear Communication

From your first enquiry to the final site clean-up, you should always know where thingsstand. A great building company keeps you informed, answers your questions promptly and never leaves you guessing.

2. A Proven Track Record

Past work speaks volumes. Look for a portfolio of successful projects that match the style and scale of what you're planning. Happy clients and long-standing relationships are also a good sign.

3. Full Compliance

Building regulations exist for a reason: to keep your project safe, legal and future-proof. A trustworthy team stays up to date with all relevant standards, obtains the right permissions and handles inspections with confidence.

4. Skilled Trades and Reliable Subcontractors

The best results come from experienced hands. From brickwork to plastering, electrics to roofing, you want a team that takes pride in their craft and works seamlessly together.

5. Care and Aftercare

A quality building company doesn’t disappear once the last nail is in place. They check in, address any snags and stand by their work because your satisfaction is what matters most.

Choosing the right company means investing in more than bricks and mortar. It’s about trusting the people behind the build.

Choosing a building company isn’t something to rush. The right partner can make the process smooth and rewarding. The wrong one can turn it into a costly, stressful experience. Asking the right questions upfront helps you feel confident and in control from the start.

Here are a few essential questions to guide your decision:

• Do you have experience with projects like mine?

        Look for examples that match your property's age, style and scope, especially if it’s a listed or heritage                        building.

• Can I see a portfolio or speak to past clients?

        Reputable builders will be happy to share references and show off their work.

• What does your process look like from quote to completion?

        A clear roadmap (including timelines, payment stages and points of contact) is a good sign of                                        professionalism.

• Are you fully insured and compliant with local building regulations?

        This protects both parties and ensures your project won’t run into legal or safety issues.

• Who will be on-site day to day?

        Understand who’s managing the job and whether subcontractors will be used.

• How do you handle unexpected issues or changes mid-project?

        Building work often uncovers surprises. You want a team that’s honest, flexible and solutions-focused.

If you’re unsure about any of the answers you receive or if the builder seems evasive, trust your gut. A good building company won’t just give the right answers, they’ll make you feel confident in asking.

With so many building companies out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice. But when you’re trusting someone with your home, your investment and your peace of mind, you want more than just a contractor. You want a team you can count on.

At Point Builders, we bring over 36 years of family-led experience to every project we take on. We specialise in both the restoration of listed and period properties and the modernisation of homes and commercial spaces, balancing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary standards.

What sets us apart is our personal approach. We take the time to understand what matters most to you and build around that. No rushed jobs. No corner-cutting. Just honest communication, high-quality work and a team that treats your property with care and respect.

Whether you’re extending your home in St Albans, refurbishing a retail space in Bournemouth or carefully restoring a 200-year-old farmhouse, Point Builders has the local knowledge, skilled tradespeople and project management experience to deliver on time, on budget and to the highest standard.

When you choose us, you're choosing a building company that builds relationships as carefully as it lays bricks.

A successful building project is about more than just materials and measurements. It’s about trust, teamwork and having the right people by your side from the very beginning.

Whether you’re restoring a heritage property, expanding your family home or upgrading a commercial space, the building company you choose will shape every part of that journey. Choose wisely and work with people who care about your project as much as you do.

At Point Builders, we combine decades of experience, local insight and family-run values to deliver results that stand the test of time. We don’t just build structures, we build confidence, comfort and long-lasting partnerships.

Thinking about a project in Hertfordshire or Dorset? Let’s talk. Visit www.pointbuilders.co.uk to get in touch. We’d love to help bring your vision to life.