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- Are you proud of your new or newly renovated home?
- Do you have a loft conversion or extension worthy of appearing in a national newspaper or magazine?
- Has your recent renovation restored your faith in great British craftsmanship?
If you think your builder deserves recognition, then the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), would like to hear from you.
The FMB is once again launching its search for the best builder and building project in Britain, so if you're delighted with the latest work on your house, then your builder could be up for the title of Master Builder of the Year 2005. And you could win a fantastic holiday of your choice worth £3000.
Sarah Beeny, presenter of Channel Four's Property Ladder, is supporting this year's awards:
"Building projects need careful planning, good communication and some really hard work to produce great results. So, if your latest project worked well and you're proud of the work, why not enter your builder in the awards? The Master Builder of the Year Awards 2005 provides the perfect opportunity for homeowners to give praise where it is due."
The Master Builder of the Year Awards 2005 is open to any UK builder, from a large commercial firm to a sole trader - but the customer must nominate the builder. Entries do not have to be the biggest or the most complicated projects and this year there are three new categories, including energy efficiency, to make sure the competition is open to as many builders as possible.
Ian Davis, director general of the Federation of Master Builders said:
"Often customers have to live with builders in their homes for several months whilst major work is done, and, for this reason customer service and craftsmanship are considered in equal measure."
2004 winner Ken Farnham and his Devon-based team triumphed over hundreds of builders across the UK for their work on a meticulous restoration project of a Grade II listed old vicarage, threatened with demolition. Homeowners Martyn and Amanda Hedley were delighted with their new home.
"I cannot praise Farnham Brothers more highly. Nothing was too much trouble, their workmanship was fantastic, they were clean, polite and incredibly helpful. I have never before been able to say this about builders" said Mrs Hedley.
You will find more details and an entry form at www.findabuilder.co.uk/awards or by calling freephone 08000 152 522. The closing date for entries is 31st May and the winners will be presented with their awards by Sarah Beeny, presenter of Channel 4's Property Ladder, on 8th September 2005.
The eight categories follow:
Category One - New Homes
New homes built by a builder who constructs fewer than 50 new homes a year.
Category Two - Small Renovation Project
Professional residential/domestic restoration, refurbishment or extension costing less than £100,000.
Category Three - Large Renovation Project
Professional residential/domestic restoration, refurbishment or extension costing more than £100,000.
Category Four - Conservatories
Conservatory using the K2 system or a building project incorporating K2 components displaying high standards of craftsmanship.
Category Five - Commercial
New build or refurbishment of a commercial building, costing less than £3million.
Category Six - Energy Efficiency
Project that demonstrates the best use of energy efficiency features designed to save energy, the environment and reduce costs.
Category Seven - Apprentice of the Year
Apprentice demonstrating high levels of practical skill in their chosen trade.
Category Eight - Heavenly Builder
Nominated by satisfied customers of firms whose annual turnover is under £300,000. Builders displaying outstanding levels of customer service.
Keep cool, keep talking and keep it friendly
These are a few simple tips to ensure that you get the best from your builder.
1.Check them out
- Make sure you trust them, obtain references and follow them up.
- Talk to the builder's previous customers and check all went well.
- Check that your proposed builders are accredited FMB members.
2.Obtain a quote
Decide to the last detail what you want done and make sure the builder's detailed written quote covers everything. Draw up a written contract, with an agreed timetable.
3.Eager legals
Be aware of the legal requirements you must fulfil when having major improvements done, such as Building Regulations approval or planning permission. This is not up to the builder.
4.Try not to change your mind
Try not to change your mind during the job as it adds to costs, but if you do, make sure all changes are in writing.
5.Make sure you're prepared
Clear the area where the builders will be working - make sure possessions are out of the way. The builders may help you move heavy furniture. Clear and protect any areas the builders may need for access. Ensure children, pets and others using the house are kept out of the area to be used by the builders.
6.Not keen to share your tea-making facilities and bathroom?
If you don't think you can share your loo or kitchen with the builders tell them so they can make other arrangements in advance.
7.Monitoring the job
Make sure you fully understand every step of the building process. A good builder should explain things clearly to ensure there are no nasty surprises. Keep tabs on how the job is going. Make sure you are on hand for any quick decisions and if you go away, leave your builders with contact numbers.
8.Dealing with problems
If you are unhappy, chose a good moment and explain your concerns as soon as you can. Talk to the person responsible for the job, not one of the sub contractors.
9.Contact the FMB
If you can't resolve matters with your builder and they are an FMB member, the FMB service includes advising customers and working with both parties to help resolve problems.
10. Pay promptly
Once you are happy with the work and have the relevant paperwork from the builders, pay them promptly.
First posted: 02 February 2005. Last modified: 07 February 2005.
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