J Tillotson is a UK author specialising in finance, energy and communications
As the mortgage market sinks further, householders are thinking twice about moving home. Instead, homes are given a new lease of life by fresh decorating, new furniture and even remodelling. But renovating your home can bring a whole new set of problems.
Turn on your TV around 7pm and you'll probably see a program about 'cowboys'. No, it's not a western; 'Cowboy' is the term commonly given to sub-par builders who delight in doing shoddy work for outrageous prices, then disappearing off the face of the earth leaving their hapless victims crying into the pile of rubble loosely called a 'conservatory'.
Cowboys tend to strike at random; they'll knock on your door and mention that they're working in the area and noticed your driveway/roof/windows etc need some work doing. Or, they'll say they have some materials left over from another job and can offer you discounted rates on a new conservatory or kitchen extension, for example.
Be very wary if you're approached out of the blue like this. Legitimate builders don't need to go soliciting for work; jobs come to them through word-of-mouth and reputation. Their prices may be low, but it'll cost you far more in the long run; you'll probably have to pay a professional to sort out the mess you'd be left with.
If you decide you would like some work doing on your home, ask your friends and family if they could recommend anyone to you. This has the added advantage of allowing you to see the completed projects as well as find out how they got on with the builders. If nobody you know has had building work done, go to the Federation of Master Builders (fmb.org.uk) to find a reputable building firm. Alternatively, Trustmark is a government scheme which will also help to put you in touch with trusted builders in your area.
Before you commence any building work, make your insurance company aware of your intentions. Carrying out any major work could invalidate your home insurance if you don't inform them, and if anything goes wrong, your buildings insurance might not cover it.
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