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External walls should be plumb, with clean wall ties and cavities. Lintels over openings should have adequate bearing, typically 150mm at each end. Floor joists may be drilled or notched to accommodate pipes and cables, but only in specified safe locations. Frost-resistant bricks should be used in external walls, otherwise damage like this may occur. This cavity will need to be kept clean as the outside skin of the cavity wall is constructed. A concrete cill which is cracking because the internal steel reinforcement is rusting.

Welcome to buildthisway.co.uk

This website has been created as the result of an initiative between UWIC (University of Wales Institute, Cardiff), The Institute of Maintenance and Building Management, the Chartered Institute of Building, The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, the Federation of Master Builders and the National Federation of Builders.

Did you know?
There is no law that says only honest and competent firms can call themselves builders. In fact anyone can call himself or herself a builder!
Every year thousands of people are cheated by rogues who call themselves builders. We often hear these rogues referred to as ‘cowboy builders’ and we want to help you avoid being cheated by these people.
If you want to appoint a builder to carry out work on your property then we suggest you carefully read the information given in this website.
Please feel free to email us with suggestions for further topics which you would like to see covered on buildthisway.co.uk
We regret that we cannot answer detailed questions about specific building projects.

Can I get help to find and supervise a builder?
Yes. If the work that you want carried out will involve substantial alterations to your property or if you do not want to have to deal with the builder yourself, then you can appoint an independent professional consultant to help you get the work done.
If you do not know anyone who you would like to appoint, then you can contact the organisations listed on the page titled 'Further Information' and they will be able to recommend suitable people in your area.
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Do I have to appoint a consultant?
No. A lot of building work is straightforward and you can agree the work you want carried out, and the price to be paid, with the builder. It is recommended that you obtain in writing from your builder exactly what work is to be done, the price to be paid and how long the work will take to complete.
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What would a consultant do?
It depends on the size and complexity of the job. Typically, however, the consultant could:

Design and draw the proposed works.
Discuss with you how much the works are likely to cost.
Submit documents to your Local Authority to obtain planning permission and building regulation approvals (if necessary).
Liaise with your neighbours.
Arrange any changes to the electrical, gas or other services coming in to your property.
Obtain quotations from reputable builders and draw up a contract.
Inspect the works as they are carried out.

Of course you will have to pay the consultant who is working on your behalf – but it may be a small price to pay for peace of mind.
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What is the difference between reputable builders and cowboy builders?
A reputable builder is someone who is honest, reliable and proud to be a builder. They will be properly trained and will be able to give you advice about how best to achieve what you want done. Be warned! Because reputable builders do a good job they tend to be very popular and you may have to wait several months before they are available to do your work.
A ‘cowboy builder’ may be a crook looking to cheat you of as much money as possible, or simply someone who doesn’t care whether they do a good or bad job. They are often not properly trained and every year thousands of people are left to put right jobs they have already paid these people to do.
In general, a reputable builder will:

Have the technical ability to discuss your requirements with you and explain if you need planning permission or building regulation approval for your works
Give you a written, detailed quotation.
Employ trained and experienced craftsmen.
Have public liability insurance.
Be properly managed, e.g. by appointing a person to supervise the works.
Be honest and financially sound.
Explain how he or she will comply with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation.
Provide a simple standard contract (there are several that are suitable for use between a member of the public and a builder).

In addition many reputable builders will be able to offer you an independent warranty. This is a valuable service and it is recommended you protect yourself with a warranty whenever possible.
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How can I find a reputable builder?
A reputable builder will not ‘just happen to be in your area’ - they are too busy working on real projects to go knocking on doors on the chance you want building work carried out. It is strongly recommended that you do not deal with anyone claiming to be a builder who has just turned up on your doorstep.

There are a number of trade organisations that vet building firms before accepting them for membership. In particular, we suggest you consider contacting the organisations listed for you under ‘Further Information’ and they will be able to recommend firms in your area.
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Can I appoint a builder who is not a member of one of these organisations ?
Yes.
We do recommend that you use a builder who is a member of a reputable trade organisation. However, if you want to appoint a builder who is not a member of a reputable trade organisation, then we suggest you check they meet the criteria listed under the heading ‘What is the difference between reputable builders and cowboy builders?’. If you are uncertain how to do this then we suggest you consider obtaining expert advice from a consultant.
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Should I pay my builder in cash ?
In general, no. Reputable builders run their businesses in such a way that they do not need to ask clients for cash. If your builder has a good reason for wanting to be paid in cash then make certain you are given a proper receipt, signed and dated by the builder, and witnessed by a third party such as a neighbour. If the purpose of asking for payment in cash is to avoid paying tax, then that is a criminal act and you should ask yourself what sort of person you are dealing with and what standard of work they are likely to do for you.
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Should I pay for work in advance?
No. Any reputable builder has credit accounts with suppliers of materials so does not need to ask you for money in advance. When materials are delivered to your property and work is underway then it is reasonable for the builder to ask for an interim payment. If you have appointed a consultant then he or she will agree payments with the builder on your behalf.
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What do I do now ?
The following pages give names and contact details for organisations that can help you appoint competent consultants and builders.
When you contact a consultant we suggest that you ask for proof that they:

Have experience supervising the sort of project that you want carried out.
Are members of a professional institution.
Have professional indemnity insurance.

If you are going to manage your project yourself then, initially, we suggest you:

Get more than one quotation.
Ensure each quotation specifies exactly the work it is for.
Obtain an estimate of how long the work will take.

Before choosing the builder you want to carry out the work we suggest you :

Check the quotation covers all the work you want carried out.
Check you will be dealing with a reputable firm.
Obtain references from previous customers.
Check any claim of membership of a trade association is genuine.
Check the builder has public liability insurance.

Finally, make certain that all the important issues are covered in writing.

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