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Builders
and Contractors
There is no single organisation
representing building trades, but ideally your preferred builder
will be a member of the Federation of Master Builders, or one
of the specialist trades guilds or institutes. When appointing
a building contractor, always take references, and if at all
possible go and see examples of completed work. For general builders,
the FMB 'Find a Builder'
website is an excellent place to start.
Make sure you understand whether
you are getting a fixed price quote or an estimate for the work,
and what the terms of reference are -you can employ a builder
through exchange of letters for simple works, but for more complex
domestic work we would suggest you have a minor works contract
drawn up. It may be necessary to engage an architect for this,
but it will ensure you don't forget something important.
Environmentally
Firendly Builders
- Growing -London-based natural building company,
specialised in cob and other natural and reclaimed materials.
They also offer hands-on training on natural building.
- Wilkinsons
-based in Hertfordshire, they specialise in energy efficient
building using timber frame construction.
Directories
of Contractors and Installers
- air-conditioning-installers.co.uk - Directory of air conditioning installation
and maintenance specialists throughout the UK
- alarmsandsecurity.net - Directory of burglar alarm, fire alarm and
security specialists throughout the UK
- British
Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association - BWPDA is the trade association dealing
with all aspects of timber treatment and damp proofing.
- Building Centre
-permanent exhibition and source of information for the construction
industry, covering all aspects of architecture and design, construction
and planning, DIY and self build.
- BuilditUK -approved contractors and home improvements.
- CIOB -Chartered Institute of Building -the professional home for today's
managers in construction.
- Concrete Society
-an information generator and provider, specialising in practical
applications and developments in concrete for the benefit of
Members.
- Electrical
Contractors Association
-members organisation for electrical and building services trades
-fully searchable database of members.
- Federation
of Master Builders
-builders resource and information centre see also Find
a Builder -search the FMB's database, containing more than
12,500 members.
- Guild
of Master Craftsmen
-represents members in over 400 trades including: Antique Restorers,
Blacksmiths, Builders, Kitchen Fitters, Chimney Sweeps, Carpenters,
Electricians, Furniture-makers, Gardeners, Glaziers, Jewellers,
Plumbers, Building, Roofers, Tailors, Woodworkers.
- Improveline -screened UK builders, plumbers, electricians
and decorators.
- insulation-installers.co.uk - Directory of cavity wall insulation, sound
proofing and loft insulation specialists throughout the UK
- Lead
Contractors Association
-UK membership organisation for those working with lead. The
site has a useful contractor locator by region, which gives types
of experience and size of project undertaken.
- National
Federation of Roofing Contractors
is the UK's leading trade association for the roofing industry.
- NICEIC -regulatory body for Electrical contractors
-carries useful advice on electrical safety and database of electricians.
- React
Fast -24 hour emergency
plumbing services, drainage services, emergency locksmiths, central
heating breakdown services, carpentry and electrical services
for homes across the UK.
- The Construction Centre -an online specialist for construction industry
professionals, businesses and private individuals to search for
details for over ten thousand contractors, manufacturers and
suppliers of building materials and components.
- UKBuilder.com -advice on hiring a builder and home
improvement tips.
Skips and
Waste Disposal
- Top
Skips -offer all sizes
of skips for domestic and trade customers across the UK and Ireland.
- Value Skip Hire
-nationwide service, providing low cost skip hire and waste removal
-useful guide to the different skip types as well as permits
and regulations.
Professional
Trade Associations
- ACE -The Association of Consulting Engineers -represents the collective views of
the profession to European, UK central and local governments,
as well as to other engineering institutions and associations,
trade and industry.
- BSRIA -Building Services Research &
Information Association -BSRIA offers independent and authoritative
research, information, testing and consultancy and market intelligence.
- ICE
-Institution of Civil Engineers
-UK-based international organisation with 80,000 members ranging
from professional civil engineers to students, a fifth of whom
live outside the UK in some 140 countries. It is an educational
and qualifying body and has charitable status under UK law.
- National
House-Building Council
-the independent regulator and standards setter for the new homes
industry. Register of builders and useful advice on buying or
building a new home.
Standards
and Official Bodies
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