SERVICES: ADVICE

The truth is that for every bad story you hear there are hundreds of happy customers. So how do you get the best out of your builder?

Ask for references

Ask the builder about his or her other customers - a good professional will be happy to provide you with references. If he or she is a member of a trade association, check out what that membership means and find out if they really are members.Scrutinise their credentials before going ahead.

Ask for a detailed quote - not an estimate

You need several detailed written quotes and not a statement such "...it will cost around £30,000..." Good professionals would prefer this anyway; it gives them time to really think about the job and what it will entail.

Be aware of legal requirements

Be aware of the legal requirements you must fulfil when having major improvements done. Thisis not up to the builder, unless you specifically ask him to do it. The work may require buildingregulations as well as planning permission, which can be a lengthy and complicated process,your local council will advise you. Some builders will help you get in touch with the council.

Draw up a contract

As 'project manager' you need to ensure that you know what you want and how you are goingto get there. For example, what type of shower or boiler do you want? The cost can vary agreat deal depending on the quality of the fittings and the complexity of the installation. Onceyou have decided what you want and agreed what is possible with your builder, draw up a written contract, with an agreed timetable with which both parties are happy.

Keep them in the know

Help your builder to understand the look you are going for. Make sure you fully understandevery step and don't let jargon put you off. A professional builder should explain things clearlyto ensure that there are no nasty surprises. If you're unhappy about the work, talk to yourbuilder immediately. Most things can be amended before they are finished.

Monitor the job

Keep tabs on how the job is going. If it's complicated, arrange a regular half an hour with yourbuilder on agreed days. If you have personal requirements, such as no radios or no smoking,make sure that these are known before the job begins, but do bear in mind that having happyworkers may help achieve a successful outcome, so try to compromise.

Dealing with problems

If you follow this advice, there shouldn't be a problem! But if you encounter difficulties midbuild Please be realistic: Builders aren't mind readers, so if your project is not going to planyou must talk to your Builder and explain what you want.

Talk to the main person

Telling site workers to change things mid-construction will not only cause problems within the team but also confuse everyone as to what you really want.