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.
- DBS 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.
Put a number on it
Build a room-by-room budget anchored on live local build-cost data for your postcode, then get matched with one Verified Premium builder.