If you are planning on having some building work done on your home, whether it be a small extension or a full remodelling project it is obviously very important to find a reliable building company to carry out the work.

If you are planning on having some building work done on your home, whether it be a small extension or a full remodelling project it is obviously very important to find a reliable building company to carry out the work.

Unfortunately, there are always horror stories in the media about builders doing a poor job and leaving property owners out of pocket. Understandably then, people can be anxious when comes to choosing a builder for their project, but there are steps you can take to ensure that you find the best, and most trustworthy, builders for the job.

It is always advisable that you get the opinions of people you know who have had any renovations done. Find out which builder they used and whether or not they were satisfied with the job once it was completed. By doing this you will find it much easier to find a contractor whose work has achieved favorable feedback.

Good, honest and reliable builders know that referrals and recommendations from satisfied customers can do a lot for the growth and success of their business, and the strive to have an excellent track record.

When you do get a good referral and meet with a prospective builder, ask them if they can supply you with other testimonials from their clients. It is important to also contact the people concerned, to not only verify the testimonials but also to ask any questions regarding the work. Most people will be happy to be of help.

Also, do not settle for just one quote from one contractor. Instead, get at least three quotes for the work that you need done and then compare the prices. Cheaper does not necessarily mean better, though. Make sure that the quotes detail precisely the work to be done, as this will help to avoid unexpected expenses that should have been part of the original quote.

Of course, the lowest price is not always the best quote to have. Once you have chosen the builder that you want ask to see the details of their indemnity insurance and public liability. This is very important in case there are accidents, but also in case you, as the client, are unsatisfied with the work that has been done.

Before work begins make sure the contract you have with the building company covers all the angles and take professional advice from a solicitor on the contents of the contract. A final piece of advice is that whatever the agreed cost of the work always ensure you have at least an extra 10% in your budget to cover any unforeseen eventualities.