BUILDING TRADE ASSOCIATION

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRADE ALLIANCE

CITA is a UK Trade Association for the Construction & Building Industry

Tel: 0845 250 4390 Fax: 0845 250 4391

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The Building Industry continues to be plagued by reports of unscrupulous 'cowboy' builders taking advantage of the public, with many cases of shoddy workmanship and over-pricing.

CITA's aim is to ensure that the public are protected, and that the reputations of good, honest builders remain intact.

Its always difficult to ensure you choose the correct tradesman for the job, whatever the trade may be, but there are a few guidelines to follow to make sure you choose a qualified builder.

1. Ask your family, friends and neighbours if they've used anyone local that they'd be happy to recommend to you. Good builders always get good recommendations and if they’ve already done decent work recently for someone you know that’s the best recommendation to have.

2. Always ask for estimates from at least three different companies, and ask for details of satisfied customers.

3. Get them to visit your home before quoting so they can see fully what the job involves, and make sure you enquire about costs for any extras they may have to do once the work has started, such as new wiring. Check if the work required needs planning permission from the local authority. A good competent builder should be able to advise you on this.

4. Get the quotes in writing - detailing the work, materials, price, and check whether the cost includes vat.

5. Don't always be tempted by the cheapest quote, as they could be using substandard materials or skimping on the quality of finish.

6. If the builder claims to be a member of a Trade Association then check this out and confirm that they are registered.

Remember too that you have an obligation to the contractor you choose to do the work for you.

Make it clear what you want and what work you require doing at the beginning of the job so that there is no confusion.

If you keep changing your mind as the work progresses then you should agree to meet any extra expenses that may be involved.

Tips to help find a good builder

SOME TIPS TO FIND A GOOD QUALITY TRADESMAN

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