I am continually asked if I can recommend a good builder or tradesperson for a particular job.
Even though I have been in the construction industry for most of my working life I am reluctant to recommend builders. This is not because I have not been involved with any, on the contrary, I have worked with some very good people. Conversely, I have also been involved in projects with dire 'tradesmen' who I would not let loose on an Airfix model!

The problem with building is that things can quickly change for whatever reason and someone who has been reliable in the past can let you down badly. I would rather ensure that the client forms the shortlist and I then help them to choose the best one from the list. If none fit the bill, then the search continues. Getting the right builder is the key to the project success.

Where do you start? There are a number of obvious options.

Directories.
Thumb through the local business directory for a builder and it is one of the most populated categories in the book. How do you separate the good from the bad because believe me both are in there. Maybe you go for the long established companies, membership of trade organisations or adverts featuring glossy photographs?

Recommendations from friends and family.
There is always someone who is willing to recommend a builder that they have used. This is a subjective view and although they were fine on your friend's job, maybe they were not so good on the job before? However, maybe a good place to start.

Trade organisations.
Trade organisations can provide names of their members for you to obtain quotes. Does this mean that all members are up to the job? In my experience this could be as much a lottery as the directory option.

Leaflets through the door.
I have lost count of the times a leaflet has dropped onto my doormat with the phrase' Quality Builders'. These leaflets are cheap to mass produce and deliver. They provide little or no information about the company and often only have a mobile number for contact. Maybe not the best way to start.

Internet.
The internet is taking over the way we run our lives. There is a wealth of information on the web and good companies these days will have a website. From this you can see examples of previous work, testimonials and generally they have lots of company information. The internet is also a place where conmen make their money.

So which method is best? Maybe a combination of methods? In essence it does not really matter where you get your shortlist from, it is what you do with the list and how you perform the 'Due Diligence'. You should never just pick a builder without going into all aspects of the business including past work and contacting past customers. If the company is limited it is possible to check the finances and directors background. If the business is a sole proprietor then checks on the person can be carried out. Whilst none of the methods described are fool proof you have to do your best with the information possible.

And remember when you have finally chosen your builder make sure that you get a written contract. I cannot stress enough the importance of this. This can save lots of time and costs if things do go wrong.

So remember, the most important points are due diligence and a written contract. If you think you need help at this point then get it. Better to pay a little now than a lot when it goes wrong. Take no chances, building is not cheap and disputes are even more expensive.