The Do's and Don'ts of working with builders

Improving your home doesn't have to result in contractor chaos - follow a few simple guidelines and get the best from your builder

Check them out

Do your research. Ask the builder about his or her other customers - a good professional will be happy to provide you with references. If they are a member of a trade association, check the membership criteria - and make sure they really are a member, rogue builders have been known to falsely claim membership. Use the FMB's Find A Builder service

Get a quote

You need several detailed written quotes and not just "It'll cost around £300". A good builder would prefer this anyway; it gives them time to really think about the job and what it will entail.

Eager legals

Be aware of the legal requirements you must fulfil when having major improvements done.

Take a look at our article on planning permission, or take a look at the Local Authority Building Control website as a starting point.

Draw up a contract

Draw up a written contract, with an agreed timetable that both you and the builder are happy with. To find out more about the FMB's Plain English contract, click here.

Keep them in the know

Help your builder to understand the look you are going for. Show them magazine pictures of similar projects.

Talk plain English!

Make sure you fully understand every step and don't let jargon put you off (see our Jargon Buster). A professional builder should explain things clearly to ensure that there are no nasty surprises! If you're unhappy about the work, talk to your builder immediately. Most things can be amended before they are finished.

Monitoring the job

Keep tabs on how the job is going, if it's complicated; arrange a regular half-hour with your builder on agreed days.

If you have personal requirements, such as no radios or smoking, or you'd rather not share your toilet or kitchen facilities, make sure that these are known before the job begins.

Always discuss how the builder's rubble will be disposed of, and when.

Dealing with problems

If you do encounter difficulties mid-build:

· Be realistic
Builders aren't mind readers, if your project is not going to plan you must spell it out and explain what you do want.

· Talk to the 'main person'
Telling sub-contractors to change things mid-construction will not only cause problems within the team but also confuse everyone as to what it is you really want.

· Contact the FMB
If you still can't resolve matters with your builder and they are an FMB member, the FMB service includes advising customers and working with both parties to reach a solution.