Getting work done on Buildings

Getting Advice

You can get advice on home repairs and maintenance from Citizens Advice Bureaux, libraries and DIY centres.

If you are planning to have work done on your home, it is a good idea to inform youself about how buildings work. You can find a range of informative d.i.y. guides in good bookshops.

Money

You may be eligible for a grant. Ask your local authority. Otherwise, talk to your bank or building society.

Finding a Good Builder

Finding a reliable contractor to carry out any work is vital - or your home and your wallet are likely to suffer the consequences.

Finding good builders may not be easy. Finding someone to do smaller jobs may be especially difficult.

Ask friends and neigbhours, local authorities and Citizens Advice Bureaux. Look in the Yellow Pages under the National Council of Roofing Contractors, the Institute of Plumbing and the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting.

Avoiding Cowboys

Be wary of doorstep salesmen who claim to have noticed a problem and offer to fix it for a very cheap (often cash) sum.

Headed paper which displays no address or land line telephone number - only a mobile - is another tell-tale sign.

Try to get at least three written quotes or estimates - this will give you a good idea what work is involved and how much it should cost.

Never make up-front payments.

If it is a Bigger or More Serious Project

You may need an architect or a surveyor to help you.

If you don't know of one, ask the Royal Institute of British Architects or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.