If you are considering any work to your property and you require a builder you should consider this choice very carefully. As this could be one of the biggest investments you are likely to make you should thoroughly check any builder out before employing his services. Here are some of the points you should consider:

1.	For large projects, consider employing a professional to advise you. Addresses and contact numbers of professional organisations are provided.
2.	Discuss the extent of any professional's responsibility. Does it involve the preparation of plans only or is site supervision part of the package?
3.	If your job is so small that you do not think you need the services of a professional, seek advice from someone in the industry who you know and trust.
4.	Always obtain quotations (at least three) and have them checked.
5.	Do not automatically go for the cheapest quote.
6.	Ask questions of the builder: Where has he worked before? Is he happy for you to see his work? What is his expertise in the particular project you intend to carry out? How does he want to be paid - on completion or in stages? Can he supply references from satisfied clients? Is he happy to give you a retention clause? Will he give you a final completion date? Will he accept a penalty clause on failure to complete on time? Will he agree to independent arbitration should you have any dispute? Does he have membership of a trade association? Does he have insurance?

Finally, reassure yourself by checking out the builder's work, references
and other aspects, such as work habits, with previous clients. ask questions now, don't wait until it is too late be safe - be sure, don't be sorry Notice of beginning and completion of certain stages of works

It is the responsibility of the owner of the property to ensure that the Local Authority is informed at the various stages of work. If you are employing a builder make sure that you are both aware who will be making the contact with the Building Control Surveyor to arrange the visits.

A completion certificate is issued at the end of the job if the surveyor is satisfied that the works are in compliance with the Building Regulations.
The Surveyors in the Building regulations Service at Spelthorne Borough Council can be contacted on 01784-446359 where there is a 24 hour answering service.

The following organisations may be able to provide help and advice if you are considering employing a professional to help you.

Royal Institution of British Architects RIBA
66 Portland Place
London
W1N 4AD
Tel: 020-7580-5533
Fax: 020-7255-1452

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors RICS
12 Great George Street
Parliament Square
London
SW1P 3AD
Tel: 020-7222-7000
Fax: 020-7222-9430

Chartered Institute of Building CIOB
Englemere
Kings Ride
Ascot
Berkshire
Tel: 01344-623555
Fax: 01344-623467

The Institute of Structural Engineers
11 Upper Belgrave Street
London
SW1 8BH
Tel: 020-7235-4535

British Institute of Architectural Technicians BIAT
397 City Road
London
EC1V 1NE
Tel: 020-7278-2206
Fax: 020-7837-3194

Spelthorne Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Council Offices
Knowle Green
Staines
Middlesex
TW18 1XB
Tel: 01784-444220

Citizens Advice Bureau Council Offices Knowle Green Staines TW18 1XB Tel: 01784-444220

Citizens Advice Bureau 1b Staines Road West Sunbury Tel: 01932-765041

National Consumer Council
20 Grosvenor Gardens
London
SW1W 0DH
Tel: 020-7730-3469
Fax: 020-7730-0191

Federation of Master Builders
Gordon Fisher House
14-15 Great James Street
London
WC1N 3DP
Tel: 020-7242-7583
Fax: 020-7404-2096

Building Guarantee Scheme (UK) Ltd
Administrative Office for the UK
143 Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 6SU
Tel: 0345-697781
Fax: 01232-666323