Building or renovating your property can be an expensive and stressful time, and when you add to the mix that you know little or nothing about building, it could lead to disastrous consequences. There are plenty of DIY rogues about who often pressurise you into doing what THEY want.

TIP 1 - NEVER PAY IN CASH. No legitimate business will work off the books.

TIP 2 - ASK. Ask for an estimate, which shows detailed costings broken down into materials and labour. Ask to see a copy of a valid insurance document, which covers public liability and other protections. Ask for written references. Ask for a time frame for each stage of the work. Ask for a guarantee.

TIP 3 - CHECK INFORMATION. Check your builder has premises and a landline number, not just a van and a mobile. Check if the builder is a member of a trade group or association by calling the associated body to verify the membership.

TIP 4 - DON'T BE PRESSURISED. Cheapest isn't always the best option. Insist on an itemised invoice and regular statements of account.

TIP 5 - GET OTHER PROFESSIONAL HELP. If your project costs thousands of pounds, it makes sense to pay to instruct a lawyer to check the builder's contract. An independent site surveyor can also oversee the project.

Aiyub Denath and Kevin Lynch

Davis & Co