Serviceteam's guide to finding the right tradesman and builder  

It's not easy to find the right tradesman for your project. And when it comes to finding a builder, it is even harder. The fact that there is usually a lot of money involved can make this a nerve-racking decision. Well, Serviceteam have put together 10 simple tips to take that decision a little easier.

1. Try and get a referral - if you can. Your own network is the best place to start. See if someone from your circle of family or friends has had building work recently had work done.

2. Don't rely on trade bodies - yes, you read that correctly, don't rely on trade bodies. They all need to sell memberships. So, unless they are non-profit and government approved, they are generally not a reliable source of builders.

3. Check out their infrastructure. Do they have an office? A landline number? A VAT number and a company registration number? Does anyone answer the landline. Go online and type their name into Google. Do people have good things to say about them? All very easy things that you can do to check them out.

4. Obtain estimates - ask a minimum of three builders for estimates and get them in writing. You can also ask them to confirm to you whether there is any planning permission required for the work.

5. Ask for references and make sure you check them! Get two or three references from previous or ideally existing customers. Contact these people and find out how happy they were with the work carried out - but take these with a pinch of salt. You don't know who you're talking to, you see. And the builder isn't likely to give you a duff referee, are they? It's probably his sister or his mom. Ideally, you should go and view some of the properties themselves.

6. Once you've selected the builder, agree the scope of the work and put it in writing. Sign a written contract that outlines the work to be done, the date of completion, the security and safety of the site and occupants, insurance, any lavatory arrangements, the disposal of waste materials, the hours of work etc.

7. Insurance - Make sure you ask to see the builder's public liability insurance certificate. Now contact your own insurance company because any building work will probably affect your home and contents insurance.

8. Deposits are usually only payable where materials are required for the job. Where the project will take a long time to complete have a written payment plan agreed and only make payments when agreed goals are met.

9. Don't employ builders who don't add VAT. No VAT means one of three things. The builder does not do more than £47,000 worth of business every year - so they're new, not very good at business or crooked. Not someone you want to be working with. Can you have a valid contract if there is no proof of payment? You'll have a hell of a time proving it in court.

10. Use your common sense and trust your instincts. If you don't like the look and sound of the builder, don't go against your instincts. They are usually right in these cases. Humans are very good at sizing up other humans.

For more information go to Can you trust them? Serviceteam's guide to rogue builders.

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