How to Choose a Renovation Contractor in London
London has no shortage of renovation contractors, and the quality gap between them is huge. Here is what is actually worth checking before you commit.
Check insurance and certifications, not just claims
Ask to see proof of public liability insurance (£2 million cover is a reasonable standard for domestic renovation work), and ask specifically who is doing the electrical and plumbing work and what they are certified for — Part P for electrics, Gas Safe registration for anyone working on gas. A contractor who can answer this immediately, without checking, is usually the safer bet.
Ask who is actually doing the work
Many renovation companies subcontract every trade to whoever is available that week — which means the people in your home may change, and accountability gets blurry if something goes wrong. Ask directly: are your tradespeople employed by you, or subcontracted? Neither answer is automatically wrong, but you want to know before you start.
Look for a real portfolio, not just glossy renders
Photos of actual completed projects — ideally with some sense of location, scope, and timeframe — tell you far more than a generic gallery of stock imagery. Ask if you can see a project similar in scope to yours.
Get a fixed-price, itemised quote in writing
A quote that just says "kitchen renovation — £X" with no breakdown makes it hard to know what happens if you want to change something mid-project, or what counts as an "extra." An itemised quote protects both sides.
Ask about the guarantee, specifically
Not just "is there a guarantee" but how long, what it covers, and what happens practically if you need to use it. A guarantee that only exists as a marketing line and not in writing is not worth much.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen or Bathroom?
Get a free estimate from London's most trusted renovation team. No pressure, no obligation — just a clear plan and honest price.