If the building job that you require to get done is a minor one like a wall repair or a room extension, you might be able to utilise the services of any local mason with reasonable experience. Such odd job persons will be able to complete the work at a sensibly low cost, in spite of their limited skills. Employing a highly qualified building contractor for such small building jobs will definitely be a costly proposition.

On the other hand, if you plan to build a completely new house or make major changes and renovations to your existing house, then you will be better off with a recognised building contractor. Here is a checklist on the items you have to be careful about in selecting a construction firm in UK.

• Before you decide on a building contractor, obtain elaborate quotations from at least 3 firms, with detailed drawings, where needed. Enquire about the possible building and other permits that might be needed to be taken before and during the construction work.

• Find out whether the contractors are members of any reputable trade association. Associations like the National Federation of Builders, Federation of Master Builders, etc. can help you identify genuine and quality builders.

• Take adequate time before choosing a builder. If a particular builder tries to pressurise you into making a fast decision, immediately drop that builder from your potential contractor list.

• After selecting the builders, insist that they should provide you with a list of the previous work done by them, along with detailed addresses of their past clients. If needed, you should go and take a look at one or two constructions done by them and talk to the owners to find out the quality of service offered by the builders.

• Make sure that the builders provide you with an up-to-date copy of the public liability insurance certificate. This will be necessary to claim the cost of repairing any damage that might occur in future to your property.

• Have a thorough contract prepared and signed about the work to be done on the building, the date of completion, hours of work every day, disposal of waste materials, the cost of each stage of work, the payment schedule, security and training, etc. Ensure that the contractors adhere to the agreement and insist that any changes or deviations be recorded in writing.

• As far as possible, do not pay in advance to any builder and stick to the agreed payment schedule. Avoid cash payments if possible, with all payments done only by bank cheques. If the builders offer you schemes that are VAT free or with other such special discounts, do not trust them. Check with government authorities or the reputed associations about such facts before accepting these kinds of unique offers.

You have to bear in mind that any good builder will be a member of one or more authorised trade associations, will hold valid public liability insurance, will submit detailed estimates with supporting drawings and will not request unorthodox payments. You can take our recommendations on respectable, reliable, competent and trustworthy building contractors in all the cities and towns of the United Kingdom, including Birmingham, Bradford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, etc.