- Decide, to the last detail, what you want to be done and make sure the builders’ estimates cover everything you would like to be done.

- Try not to change your mind during the job as it can add to costs, but if you do, make sure all changes are agreed in writing.

- Be realistic – Builders aren’t mind readers, so if your project is not going to plan you must spell it out and explain what you do want.

- Talk to the builder’s previous customers.

- Go and see the jobs the company has done and ask the customer if it all went well.

- Ask for details of how the builder should be paid. This should be in installments, as parts of the project are completed.