If you’re planning a residential or commercial development, one of the first and most important questions to ask is:
“What qualifications should my building contractor have?”
Whether you’re a homeowner managing a single new build or a property developer overseeing a large-scale project, hiring the right contractor can mean the difference between a smooth, efficient build—and one that suffers from costly delays and poor workmanship.
At Sherford Building and Developments, we believe informed clients make stronger decisions. In this guide, we’ll explain what qualifications, accreditations, and skills your contractor should have—and why they matter.
1. Relevant Industry Experience
While not a qualification in the academic sense, proven experience is essential. A contractor’s track record on previous developments, especially projects similar in size and scope to yours, is one of the strongest indicators of reliability and capability.
You should ask:
- Have they worked on residential, commercial, or public sector developments before?
- Can they provide references or case studies?
- How do they manage timelines, sub-contractors, and unexpected challenges?
At Sherford, we offer tailored services for a wide range of developments—from blockwork and bricklaying to full principal contractor management. You can view our service offering here.
2. CSCS Certification and Skilled Labour
Anyone working on a UK construction site should hold a valid CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card. This verifies a worker’s identity, skills, and health and safety knowledge. While CSCS is not a legal requirement, most professional sites will not allow tradespeople to work without one.
For development projects, your contractor should ensure:
- All workers have the correct CSCS card type for their trade
- Labourers are trained in health and safety procedures
- Supervisors hold appropriate site management qualifications
To learn more about CSCS and site safety standards, visit the CITB website.
3. Public Liability Insurance & Risk Management
Your contractor should carry adequate insurance, including:
- Public Liability Insurance
- Employer’s Liability Insurance
- Contractor’s All Risks (if applicable)
This protects both you and the contractor in the event of injury, property damage, or delays during the development.
Also check that they follow robust health and safety practices. At Sherford, we offer professional advice on risk management, value engineering, and build-ability, helping clients ensure a safe, legally compliant site from start to finish.
4. Construction Industry Accreditation
While not all accreditations are mandatory, the best building contractors are often:
- SMSTS/SSSTS certified (Site Management Safety Training Scheme)
- CPCS registered for plant operation
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 qualified in their specific trades (e.g., bricklaying, stonemasonry)
These certifications reflect a professional, well-trained team—and give you peace of mind throughout your development.
5. Clear Communication and Full-Service Capability
It’s not just about qualifications on paper—your contractor should also demonstrate excellent communication, proper documentation, and clear timelines.
At Sherford Building and Developments, we offer complete support through project management, site supervision, and coordination of trades—ensuring your development is completed to the highest standards, on time and within budget.
Conclusion
In summary, the best contractors for your development will combine:
- Verified qualifications
- Practical experience
- Health and safety competence
- Insurance and site supervision
- Transparent communication
Choosing a qualified and capable contractor gives your development the strongest foundation—structurally, financially, and legally.
If you’re planning a new project in Devon, Cornwall, or the South West, get in touch with Sherford Building and Developments for professional, qualified support on every step of your build.
