Do
....Your research
Ask around. Speak to friend and family about good builders who have done work for them and if they don’t know any, you could even keep a look out for people having building work done near to you and politely ask them about the builders they are contracting. Good builders will provide references and be happy to show you past work.
....Get it in writing
Discuss a sensible building schedule and price with your chosen builder before anything else has been agreed and then draw the agreed cost and schedule into a contract.
.....Know your regulations
It is not your builder’s job to tell you what legal requirements you must adhere to before your building work begins. If you are unsure, seek the advice of a building survey, architect or Local Planning Office.
.....Communicate
Keep talking! If you're not sure what is being done, ask. Make sure you fully understand every step and don't let jargon put you off. A professional builder should explain things clearly to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises!
.....Be realistic
Builders aren't mind-readers, so if you have a particular idea of a finished project, show them visuals - magazine cuttings, books, brochures - anything that will ensure you and they are thinking along the same lines
......Be honest
If your financial situation changes mid-works, talk to your builder, he can suggest ways of trimming the expense without cutting on quality.
Don’t
....Pay cash up-front
Be wary of the cash cowboys. A reputable builder will work on a contractual basis, and you should avoid anyone who offers you a 'cheap' deal for cash-in-hand. Don't try and dodge paying VAT, that'll probably put you in the hands of the rogues.
....Go above their heads
Talk to the 'main man' only. Telling sub-contractors to change things mid-construction will not only cause problems within the team but confuse everyone as to what it is you really want.
....Dither!
Decide on what you want from the outset and try to stick to it. Changing plans mid-flow is sometimes necessary, but if you keep changing your mind about what you want, you'll confuse everyone; it'll lead to extra unbudgeted costs and probably cause a delay in getting the job finished.
....Stay silent.
If you're unhappy about any area of work, talk to your builder about it. Most things can be amended before they are finished, so don't wait until it's done, then sulk!
....Ignore your budget.
Be realistic about what you can afford and tell your builder at the start। He can then help you fulfill your home-improvement needs and fit in with your financial constraints too.
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