Check your contract with the builder to see what scope you have for complaints. Use their complaints procedure first, and then escalate to their trade association complaints procedure (if they…

There is a lot that can be done to make it easier to cope with work on-site and get the best from your chosen firm. If you have employed an…

You need to have a written agreement with any trade firm before you finally accept a quote and work starts on the ground. For smaller jobs, under £1,000 or so,…

If you need an educated guess about what a repair will cost, ask for an estimate. If you want a considered, fixed price, ask for a quote. Putting together a…

You need to get together a long list of potential tradespeople and then check out the firms to reach your shortlist. Ask your shortlisted trade firms to give you a…

You need formal agreement from your co-owners at specific points in commissioning a repair. But, it is also good practice to keep everyone posted of progress throughout the repair process.…

Sometimes, the need for repair is obvious, such as when you have a damp patch. However, planned repairs can save you money - a stitch in time saves nine. Even…