Getting the builders in...

And staying in control. How to hire. What to ask. When to pay.

Better Home: Better Health with Michelle Ogundehin — helping you harness the power of home, your fast track to health, healing, happiness

Builders and tradespeople, oh Lord I could tell you some stories. From the handyman who painted an outside wall for me in the rain, and then was ‘surprised’ when I called him to say what-the-hell regarding the paint streaking all over the pavement. The builders who left a patio job unfinished because I’d paid up front, not the full amount, but they obviously figured the sum outstanding was equivalent to the work not done so they cut their losses. Another crew installing under floor heating who disappeared en masse for a football game. The builders who despite detailed 1:50 plans decided to put a wall where they felt it should go, and again were ‘surprised’ when I insisted it come down and be put where I’d specified. Others who dumped concrete inside brick planters. Or used plywood to case exterior windows.

The list goes on and it makes for miserable reading.

So what to do? Herewith my list of eight tips on getting the builders in and staying in control…