Choosing a reputable contractor

When choosing a building contractor you should consider your choice very carefully and you are advised to check out their credentials before employing them.

• If you are offered a Home Trust Loan to finance your home improvement – tell the contractor where the money is coming from. The payment will be made once the works are complete and a post work inspection will be carried out by your local authority. This should be enough to put off any rogue traders.
• Get recommendations - ask friends, family, neighbours and relevant trade associations if they know of reliable contractors who have experience in the type of work you need.
• Find out if the contractor is a member of an appropriate trade association.
• Look for the Quality Mark. The Government is introducing a scheme to cover all building trades, which  means traders must pass certain checks to become a member. Consult the Department of Trade and Industry's web site www.qualitymark.org.uk or phone 0845 300 8040 to find a member near you.
• Choose established contractors with premises. Remember, phone numbers are easily changed leaving you with no way of contacting them.
• Check the contractors out; ask if there is similar completed work that they have carried out that you can view. Make sure you speak to the previous customers for their comments, were they happy with the work? Was it started and completed on time? Check out any supplied written references and that it was your contractor who actually undertook the work. A contractor with a reputation to preserve is more likely to be around if you have problems later.

Please use one of the follow sites to help you find someone reputable...