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We're buying a house and the survey suggests a couple of things should be looked at by a builder to see if it needs work (e.g. kitchen ceiling is slightly bowed, probably from historic water damage from bathroom above and isn't a problem but should be checked by a builder).

If I was a builder I'd definitely say whatever I was asked about needs to be fixed urgently and get the money for it - is there any way to mitigate the chances of being told 'everything needs doing'?

You want them to say it needs fixing urgently so you can push back to the seller to pay for it surely?

I want to know what it actually is.

If something is urgent I want them to say it's urgent
If it's needed but not urgent - I want them to say that
and if it's purely cosmetic - I want to know that.

Anything urgent I want the seller to pay for, and anything needed but not urgent I'm going to suggest split the cost.

I'm concerned they'll just lump everything into the single category of urgent to 'encourage' us to get the work done - whether it's necessary or not.

You find a honest builder just the same way as you find a honest anyone else, trial and error or recommendation from someone you really trust.

Personal recommendation or family member  is best. Failing that we’ve recently had good results from searching through reviews of the last couple of tradespeople we’ve used.

For what you need, it could be worth paying for a proper report from a professional. Maybe a Quantity Surveyor?

 yes you need a structural engineer report....a few hundred quid

The surveyor suggested a builder and an electrician should have a look.

My boss regularly uses the same electrician to fix things up domestically and for the business, so that's a good enough recommendation for that.

Unfortunately we don't know anyone who has particularly used any builders; all we have is a recommendation of who to avoid from someone who got let down by theirs.

Does anyone know if Checkatrade is reliable?

It looks good, with all the reviews and verification it says they do - but has anyone got any experience of it? Or know if it's full of fake reviews like 'other' sites are?


EDIT: the surveyor didn't think their was any particular problem with any of the house; so I think any builder with experience should be able to tell if there's actually a problem or not. I think we only have to worry about paying more than we need rather than the actual property.

 If you want to go down the builder route, a member of FMB is a good start.

https://www.fmb.org.uk/

Maybe cross reference with checkatrade.

A structural engineer report will tell the builder what does and doesn't needs doing.

Your problem will be getting a good one to look at it as a good builder should be busy, if they can drop everything and come immediately I would be concerned.

But start with FMB or if you know any accountants in practice in your area could always ask them to recommend one of their clients.

What area you living or looking to live Jon?

Near Heathfield in East Sussex.

So far I'm particularly liking ripple's idea of cross referencing the fmb with checkatrade.

You have come across several problems and no real solution. Firstly, the survey will say get everything looked at. That is pretty standard as surveyor will cover their ass. Remember no house is perfect.
As already been stated, most good builders are busy and wont be interested in having a look for you.
Of the builders that do come, they will just say work needs doing to drum up work. Not restricted to builders, all trades do that as standard.

Ahh too far for me so i couldn't help

IMHO things like checkatrade and rated people etc are a joke
 
I would just ask around local merchants and trade counter places
they will genrally put you onto some local goid guys.

Hope you get sorted out pal

I knew a guy that was a saleman for one of these companies (checkatrade etc)it was all about getting the tradesman signed up for the year. very little went in to checking refs etc. Was a few years ago so may not be the case now. Best way has got to be through recommendations.