Reviews vs verification
Star ratings can be bought, gamed or selectively shown. Verification is a documentary check that either passes or it doesn't. Compare Builders verifies both sides — the builder's credentials and the homeowner's identity and budget — so neither party is dealing with a stranger.
The eight checks behind the badge
- Companies House — the trading entity and its directors are real and current.
- Public liability insurance — confirmed directly, with the cover amount and expiry on record.
- Trade-body membership — verified against the relevant body.
- VAT registration status.
- Photo-verified portfolio of real, completed work.
- Two customer references, called by our team.
- Government photo-ID check on the principal — they're working in your home.
- Annual re-verification, scheduled — the badge can lapse, so it stays honest.
Why it's public
Every Verified Premium builder has a public verification page at /verify/CB-XXXXX. Anyone — you, your solicitor, a neighbour — can independently check the status. Trust you can audit beats trust you have to take on faith.
Ready to put this into practice?
Tell us about your project and let verified builders bid for it — or check any builder by their CB number.