Small home improvement jobs will typically be undertaken by an avid DIY enthusiast or handyman, whilst larger tasks such as a loft conversion will require the services of a skilled tradesman. Of course, conforming to building regulations will usually require the services of professional builders, boiler installers and joiners, so medium to large home improvement jobs will involve searching for a team of suitably qualified and experienced tradesmen. However, this is not always as easy as it might seem and there are also other factors to consider when hiring builders to carry out work on a property.

Indeed, the history of home improvement is littered with tales of rogue builders, dissatisfied customers and generally nightmarish situations. On Monday, for instance, the roof of a family home in Derbyshire was partially demolished by a builder following a dispute over the payment of an extension built five years earlier. Unfortunately, it is clear that the potential for conflict will almost always exist between builder and customer. Thus, what can be done to reduce the chances of a home improvement project turning into a complete disaster?

The answer is simple: communication. Indeed, when embarking on a home improvement task it is essential first to shop around for reliable, experienced and skilled tradesmen. Word of mouth advertising is key to finding the right people for a particular project, so if it is possible, speak to friends, family members and neighbours about the builders which they have employed in the past. The next step after obtaining quotes is to discuss the building plans in depth with the tradesmen in order to agree on costs, labour and deadlines. Then, draw up all the details in a written contract and ensure that there is room for some margin of error, such as in the budget. Finally, ensure that the builders are regularly lubricated with warm cups of tea.

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