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Choosing a good builder

Carrying out building work can be quite stressful, disruptive, inconvenient and costly. To minimise the impact of any building work on you, it is important to take time to make sure you choose the right builder.

Finding a good builder

You should take the following simple steps:

  • if possible, start by getting a referral from family or friends who have recently had work done
  • contact your local builders association to ask for a list of registered members
  • ask two or three builders for estimates in writing, and ask them to confirm whether there is any planning permission required for the work
  • ask each builder for two or three references from previous customers - and contact these people and find out how happy they were with the work carried and the builder's conduct (if possible go and view some of the work)
  • ensure that the builder belongs to a respected trade organisation as it will have membership standards and requirements (don't forget to make a call to make sure membership is current)
  • you should make an agreement or contract in writing with your builder, outlining the work to be done, date of completion, security and safety, catering and lavatory arrangements, disposal of waste materials, hours of working and so on
  • ask to see the builder's public liability insurance certificate and as the building work may affect your home and contents insurance - contact your own insurance company

Deposits and payment

Deposits are usually only payable where specific or custom-made materials are required or where the project will take a long time to complete. Otherwise, avoid paying deposits, and agree any payment schedule in writing.

Beware the VAT-free 'deal'

A VAT-free deal means one of two things:

  • the builder does not do more than £47,000 worth of business per annum
  • he is avoiding his legal tax liabilities

You need to ask yourself:

  • is this builder large enough to be able to complete my work?
  • will he be around if any of the work requires repair?
  • how can I have a valid contract if there is no proof of payment?

The Trustmark scheme, backed by the government, ensures that traders who sign up are fully qualified to do building work and also provides a complaints procedure.

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