Unless you have a reasonable working knowledge of building construction it is advisable, before any work begins, to obtain professional advice from one or more of the following: an architect, a structural engineer, a building surveyor and a heating engineer or replacement window specialist. It is also recommended that you choose a registered builder or a registered installer to carry out the work.
The Government's Quality Mark scheme can help you find builders who have been independently checked, on-site, to make sure they have the skills and resources to do the job properly. The names of any registered firms in your area and information about the scheme can be obtained from the Quality Mark Call Centre. Similarly, information on each of the registered installers' schemes can be obtained from the approving body.
Simple checks you should consider before choosing a builder include:
- Recommendations
- Contract
- Insurance warranty
- Examples of work
What happens if disputes arise
If a dispute arises concerning your building work, you are advised to contact Suffolk County Council Trading Standards and Consumer Advice Service (opens in a new window).
They can advise you if you are unhappy about the costs of the work, the time it is taking, standards, materials or if Building Control officers have not approved the work.
You can contact an advisor on: 08454 04 05 06.
Alternatively visit the Consumer Direct website (opens in a new window) for further help and advice.