CHOOSING A BUILDER

Although the building industry has received a lot of bad press over the years, the vast majority of builders are respectable and trustworthy. In order to protect yourself, there are some straightforward steps you can take;

1	Start with referrals from family and friends
2	Ask for three references – and check them!
3	Obtain written quotations from two or three builders
4	Remember – the cheapest price may not necessarily be the best price
5	Agree the work and put it in writing
6	Make sure there is adequate insurance cover
7	Never pay in advance
8	Consider employing a professional agent to advise you
9	Beware cash-in-hand or VAT-free “deals”
10	Are they a member of a trade association? Check it out!
11	Consider taking out a warranty
12	A formal contract is recommended
13	If problems arise, tell the builder straightaway
14	Do not make the final payment until you are satisfied with the work and have received our completion certificate confirming that the Building Regulations have been satisfied.

Please note that these are only guidelines to assist you in choosing a builder. Ultimately, you must use your own judgement and balance the various considerations of cost, quality, size of the project and piece of mind. You should also note that the Building Control Surveyors role is to check that the Regulations have been satisfied, and does not extend to acting as your clerk of works.

We are not permitted to recommend builders or designers, but the Isle of Wight Council Trading Standards Service run a “Buy with Confidence” Scheme. This is a list of approved firms who have agreed to provide reliable and quality services, and builders are extensively vetted by Trading Standards to ensure that they are trading fairly.

For more details, visit the Buy with Confidence website www.iwbuywithconfidence.info or contact Trading Standards 01983 823370.

Page last updated on: 30/03/2009