Protecting your investment

What if I fall out with my builders ?

Step 1: Maintain a clear head, keep talking and remain friendly

• Discuss any problems with the main builder. Complaining to a sub-contractor may cause further confusion within the team and is unlikely to resolve the problem.
• Referring back to your written contract often helps.
• If the dispute is over money, the Office of Fair Trade recommends only withholding payment for individual defects, not for the whole job.

Step 2: Seek impartial help and advice

• If your builder is a member of the FMB, you can contact the FMB and ask them to work with you and your builder to reach a solution. All complaints to the FMB are taken seriously and, in the vast majority of cases, they are simply resolved through the intervention of the FMB. However, where that is not possible, the FMB will help with independent dispute resolution.
• Advice can also be sought through www.consumerdirect.gov.uk which provides practical help and advice for consumers across the UK in handling complaints with tradesmen.
• You can also contact your local Trading Standards Office with details of your complaint.
• Remember if you have an insurance-backed warranty such as the FMB MasterBond warranty, you have additional protection and should follow the procedure as laid down in the warranty.

Step 3: Litigation

• For claims under £100K in England and Wales, Her Majesty's Courts Service operates an easy to use on-line claim facility at www.moneyclaim.gov.uk