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Spend some time planning and designing your building project, in order to avoid making late changes to your design (preferably employ an architect, surveyor or architectural technicial - they can often save time and money ensuring you get the project you really want).
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Ensure you produce a detailed written brief of work you want done and who is responsible for what (ie purchasing of materials)
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Ask three of four builders to visit your property. Describe what you want done and ask their advice. Explain any restrictions you want to place on the work, eg. start and finish times, access or if what work you want to carry out yourself.
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Ask the tradesperson to provide a written quotation which details the work to be undertaken and the cost. A good tradesperson will advise you when you are wasting your money, eg. by carrying out a repair when replacement would give better value.
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Compare prices. Make sure you have a quotation and not an estimate. A quotation is the price that will be charged provided you do not make extra requirements; an estimate is only a guide to the cost! Check whether the quote included or excludes VAT and if it is valid for a specific period.
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Consider using a contract. This is an agreement between you and the tradesperson which defines how, when and at what cost the work will be done. There are a number of simple and inexpensive homeowner building contracts available which are suitable for small domestic building works. An example of a contract can be found at www.buildingcontractpack.com
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Use a reputable building contractor, preferably one who is a member of a trade organisation. Check the trader's qualification, public liability insurance, experience and membership of the trade organisations. Get their full name, address and telephlne number of your builder and check they are correct.
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Once you have chosen the tradesperson, agree a fixed start date and completion date. Make sure you have instruction in writing and keep a copy (make a note of any changes)
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Check to see if the work is covered by the Party Wall etc Act. If it is, you need to serve a Party Wall Notrice on your neighbours at least one or two months before work has started. And if the tradesperson is aware of any Building Regulations and Planning Permission requirements for your project.
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Use an insurance backed warranty, so that there will always be funds available to put the work right. Even the most reputable builders can run into trouble through no fault of their own
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Do not pay for work before it starts. Agree to any chages to costs before the work is carried out. For small jobs the builder usually asks for payment at the end. For larger project, you may be expected to pay in stages. Agree these stages and charges before work starts. Retain at least 5% of the builders fee until you receive the completion certificate
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During construction is a problem arises, discuss it with the tradesperson immediately. DO NOT wait until the job is completed. Keep a note of what is said and agreed this should include any additional costs.
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Ensure the tradesperson works to the approved plans (if appropriate) and calls us to do statutory inspections. It is in your interest that they do this.
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If you are not satisfied with a job once complete or the builder is unwill to rectify the work contact your local Trading Standards Department.
