How to talk to your builder

Television has a lot to answer for. The terrible reputation of the building trade for one. But not all builders are out to wreck your house, rob you of your life-savings and leave you in need of rescue by Nick ‘DIY SOS’ Knowles, the slightly smug TV-expert builder who goes round making good the mess other builders have left behind.

Then again, not all builders are honest, trustworthy and committed to doing a good job. Inviting builders – or any of the associated trades such as plumbers, heating engineers, electricians or carpenters – into your home is a modern minefield, pitted with bitter recriminations and empty bank accounts.

Much of this could be avoided if people knew how to talk to their builder in the first place. This means treating him if not as a friend, then certainly not as your mortal enemy. He will effectively be living with you for weeks, so for heaven’s sake show him where the facilities are.