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Having good building contractors
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While you are considering undertaking improvements to your dwelling such as for example an extension, loft conversion or new garage, it is important that you find a good, reliable builder.
I am sure which you have seen and found out about a lot of the horror stories and disasters created by so called 'cowboy' builders. It is so common nowadays they have even made a complete television series on the subject (Cowboy Builders - Five).

So how can you ensure that you avoid many of these problems and go about finding yourself an excellent builder who's not going to enable you to down?

Well, this can be a lot easier than you may think. Essentially, all it requires is a bit of common sense, a small amount of research and some clear instructions and when you follow our tips below and you should not go too much wrong.

Research

It is best to do some research to verify the caliber of work performed by a builder before employing them to accomplish any work.

Ask for a listing of six previous clients and contact them for feedback. If possible, arrange to visit one or two of the clients and view the task for yourself, particularly if the job is relevant to the work you will need doing. At least you should require written references from the builders previous clients.

Any reputable builder will be more than happy to give you this information and so in the event that you meet any resistance or reluctance as of this early stage you need to think carefully about whether you would like to go any further.

Appearance And Behaviour

Check the appearance of the builder before you employ them because a 'dodgy' builder will most likely dress shabbily, drive a clapped out white van, usually without any markings and generally not run into as very professional. It sounds like a cliche but these exact things will be the tell-tale signs of a 'cowboy' builder and you should steer well clear.

In terms of behaviour, be very suspicious of any tradesman that will not invest in a schedule, will not put anything on paper and/or will not give receipts. Should they seem too wanting to quote quickly and cheaply without even properly looking at the job they're quoting for the suspicions ought to be raised.

Work With An Established Local Company

A tried and tested means of avoiding issues with your builder is to work with a local company which has an established reputation. This means that they will have a fixed office address, a company telephone number and when VAT has been charged, a VAT registration number.

Correspondence on letter headed paper with all of these items listed can be an excellent sign of a genuine business.

Ideally they'll also operate as a Limited Company rather than sole trader, but this is not essential if another things check out.

Mobile telephone numbers and email addresses are disposable so be skeptical if these are the only real ways of contact that the tradesman will provide you with.

The reason why an area businesses is preferable is that they need to guard their reputation in the local community because word soon gets around if they execute a poor job or let someone down.

Be Clear About THE NEEDS YOU HAVE

In order to avoid any doubt about what you have agreed, put precisely what you want completed in writing and have for a written estimate back from the builder. Again, any good tradesman worth dealing with will expect this.

It is important that you don't keep changing your mind about what you want once the work has started as the builder will charge you extra for changes at this stage which is where many disputes will start.

Obviously, sometimes things will have to change and in this case you just have to be clear about the changes that you would like and buy into the builder any additional cost that this may add before the work is done. Again, you need to document all changes on paper.

Other Points To Be Aware Of

In terms of contracts and agreements, the standard advice in these circumstances applies. Usually do not sign whatever you haven't read and/or fully understood.

On the subject of payment for the work, your builder may request some money in advance but this will be avoided if at all possible. A reputable builder is only going to expect payment once the work has been completed to the agreed plan and signed off as satisfactory. As a rule of thumb, you must never pay more than 10% of the total cost up front.

On a larger scale job, stage builder payments may also be necessary but, again, you need to be clear upfront about what you are paying for and when.

If your builder requests all or part payment in cash then walk away. You may be fuelling the black economy and leaving yourself open to the risk of coping with a rogue trader.

Finally, be skeptical of anyone who comes knocking at your door offering to 'do you a favour' or has 'materials left from the previous job' and will do you a 'great deal that will save you money'. Do not listen! It will never save money to hire a builder in this example.

What To Do If Things Go Wrong

If things do go wrong or you're unhappy with the product quality or extent of the task carried out, speak to the builder calmly and clearly and explain why in the beginning.

If the builder will not respond, the next stage would be to put your complaint on paper.

If you still cannot get yourself a resolution after putting things on paper, you should seek further advice. Additional info who you could turn to are your Solicitor, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Trading Standards or the relevant Trade Association. It certainly depends on the nature and extent of the issue or builder dispute.

Summary

So there you have it. In more info to look for a good, reliable builder, do some research before you begin, be clear about what you need and put everything in writing and use good sense when it comes to contracts, agreements and payment.

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