Finding reliable Service Providers, Tradesmen and managing them effectively to deliver what they promised is an art form in itself that can only be learned through experience.

The search

Find a list of service providers in your area on completehome.ie.  Request a quotation from 3-5 of the listings.Once you've had initial discussions with 3-5 of the providers, ask to talk to some of their previous customers. Insist on visiting at least two of them to see the quality of their work. Ask all the builders if they can provide an insurance-backed guarantee for the proposed works. 
 
Get it in writing

You've picked your builder and now you need to agree the minute details of the contract so you know what's included and what's not.  A contract is available from your solicitor . Agree on a timetable and a completion date, although this may be subject to availability of materials, the weather and agreed changes to the work. Insist on seeing your builder's  insurance certificate. Avoid any builder who does not have this. If your builder requires a deposit to pay for materials, insist on paying for only the first stage of the work. 

Project Begins.
 
The project is up and running and you're not sure what they're doing or why they're doing it. Don't be afraid to ask. They'll be happy to explain and it's better you iron out any misconceptions now rather than later on the project when it could be too late to rectify. If you really want to make changes to the plans, make them with the builder you agreed the contract with and not the team carrying out the work. This ensures there is somebody keeping across the whole project and able to make changes while minimising the risk to other areas of the work.

Once the building work is finished, ensure everything has been done to your satisfaction. Only pay the outstanding monies when you are completely satisfied the builder has delivered everything in the contract.

Related Links:
• Solicitors In Your Area
• Building Contractors In Your Area

Related Downloads:
• Finding Reliable Service Providers/Tradesmen Print Version