Improving your home doesn't have to result in A nightmare experience- follow a few simple guidelines and get the best from your trader.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Ask the tradesman about there previous customers - a good trade professional will be happy to provide you with references. If they are a member of a trade association, check the membership criteria - and make sure they really are a member, rogue tradesmen have been known to falsely claim membership. Use the ITAS tradesman locator service to find a reputable trader (www.vettedtradesmen.org.uk".

GET QUOTING
You need a few detailed written quotes and not just "It'll cost around £900". An honest tradesman would prefer this anyway; it gives them time to plan properly for the job and think about what it will entail.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
You need to be very aware when it comes to the legal side of things as they can prevent you from actually being able to work on your home.
Take a look at the Local Authority Building Control website as a starting point.

MAKE SURE YOU DRAW UP A CONTRACT
The bigger the job the more important a contract is.

KEEP THEM IN THE KNOW
Help your tradesman to understand the look you are going for. Show them some visual aides to assist in the planning of your project.

SPEAK IN PLAIN ENGLISH
Make sure you fully understand every step and don't let jargon put you off (see our Jargon Buster). A professional tradesman should explain things clearly to ensure that there are no nasty surprises! If you're unhappy about the work, talk to your tradesman immediately. Most things can be amended before they are finished.

DONT TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE BALL
Keep tabs on how the job is going, if it's complicated; arrange a regular half-hour with your tradesman on agreed days.
If you have personal requirements, such as no radios or smoking, or you'd rather not share your toilet or kitchen facilities, make sure that these are known before the job begins.
Always discuss how the tradesman's rubble will be disposed of, and when.

DEALING WITH DIFFICULTIES MID-BUILD
If you do encounter difficulties mid-build:

• Be realistic
Tradesman aren't mind readers, if your project is not going to plan you must spell it out and explain what you do want.

• Talk to the 'main person'
Telling sub-contractors to change things mid-construction will not only cause problems within the team but also confuse everyone as to what it is you really want.

• Contact ITAS
If you still can't resolve matters with your tradesman and they are an ITAS member, the ITAS service includes advising customers and working with both parties to reach a mutually beneficial solution.