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Builders voted nation's best living companions
 Builders topped the list of professionals that women would most like to live with in a survey published today, beating chefs, dentists, waiters and even comedians.
40% of women would most like builders living in their homes, while men voted nurses in top place (32%) and ranked builders a respectable second (20%), with over 80% describing them as friendly or cheery.
Not surprisingly, tax inspectors, traffic wardens and insurance agents were least favoured by both sexes, in the independent survey of 1,400 UK adults carried out by tickbox.net last week.
Director general of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Richard Diment, said: "With one in three people admitting that they spend more money on DIY than any other home expense, it's no surprise that builders came out top, above any other profession. Having a builder around the home would not only save people having to do the work themselves, but also get the job done properly."
The research also found that almost a third (30%) of homeowners had engaged a builder to improve their home, but almost half the population thought that builders are not given enough credit for what they do.
To redress the balance, property developer and TV presenter, Sarah Beeny, today joined forces with the FMB to launch the Master Builder of the Year Awards 2007. The Awards are unique because to enter, a builder must be nominated by a satisfied customer.
Said Sarah: "Every profession likes to be appreciated - none more so than builders. But all too often the media focuses on the rogue builders that no-one wants in their homes. The reality is that the majority of builders are friendly, cheery and hardworking - qualities that are essential during a major home improvement project when you may find yourself living with your builder for several months."
Added Sarah: "The Master Builder of the Year Awards gives customers a chance to thank their builder for a job well done. There are plenty of great builders out there, so tell us about your favourite. We want to beat last year's record breaking 1,500 entries from around the country. To obtain an entry form visit www.fmb.org.uk/awards or call 0870 162 0942."
The Master Builder of the Year Awards are unique because every builder must be nominated by a satisfied client, who is so pleased with their finished project that they feel their builder deserves national recognition. It is designed to reward both builders and clients, which means if your builder wins, you could enjoy a £3,000 holiday!
The competition has a wide range of categories to make sure it is open to as many builders as possible. Categories cover New Homes, Renovations, Energy Efficient buildings, Commercial Projects (up to £3m), with a special Heavenly Builder award for builders who display outstanding levels of customer service, no matter how small the job they undertake.
The closing date for entries is 31st July and Sarah Beeny will present the winners with their awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, on November 8th 2007.
Click here to apply online, or call 0870 162 0942.
Master Builder of the Year 2007 is organised by the Federation of Master Builders in association with Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, and sponsored by American Express, Aon Ltd, B & CE Benefit Schemes, British Gypsum Ltd, Buildstore, CITB-ConstructionSkills, Energy Saving Trust, Envirowise, HBXL, Hilti, Homebuilding and Renovating, LABC, NHBC, Paramount Group of Hotels, Professional Builder Magazine, Sage (UK) Ltd, Screwfix Direct, Travis Perkins, and Master Builder magazine.
First posted: 26 March 2007. Last modified: 27 March 2007
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