Issue 4 March 2004

Win Win Win! £1000 for your new bathroom!

Dreaming of a new bathroom? Now is your chance to win £1000 towards fulfilling your dream. Just follow the link for your chance to win. And before you spend it read our top tips on how to bathe in glory.

Just visit our website at www.findabuilder.co.uk and complete the entry form to enter the prize draw. The winner will be announced in a future issue of Better Building Projects. It couldn't be easier!

For bathroom design, small can still be beautiful. Think about your desired layout so that you can see how it will work in practice. That way when you talk to your builder you will have a good idea of what you want:

Use the skills– bathrooms need professionals
Regulations – you’ll need to satisfy building regulations
Can you take the pressure? – make sure your water pressure is sufficient
Don’t get lost in space – make the best of available space by planning on paper first
Waste not want not - Get green! – think about waste water and water saving
Heat it up - Check out the heating arrangements in your new bathroom
Use Corgi - Remember to only use a Corgi registered installer if your heating is gas operated.




LOOKING FOR A BUILDER?

Don't forget you can search the FMB's member database, containing 13,000 builders and contractors, at www.findabuilder.co.uk. 		  COMPETITION WINNER

The winner of our kitchen competition is: Christine Jones from Manchester. She said: "This is fantastic news - now I can create my dream kitchen in my new extension. Thank you FMB!"
 

Having building work done?
The key to a job well done may well be homeowner homework!
  • Get estimates from two or three different builders. Be clear about what you want done and ask for a written specification and quotation.
  • Ask for references and talk to previous customers. A good builder will provide you with credentials and references, so try to visit previous jobs similar to your own.
  • If the builder is a member of a trade association, check the membership criteria - and make sure they really are. Rogue builders have been known to falsely claim membership.
  • Avoid adding to the job or changing your mind halfway through - it will usually cost more and cause delays. Confirm any changes you do make in writing - the FMB has a variation form for this purpose.
  • Use a contract - the FMB has Plain English contracts for small building work.
  • Agree any staged and final payments before work starts.
  • Avoid dealing in cash.
  • If any problems arise whilst work is in progress, or you are unhappy about anything, talk to your builder right away.

The Essential Guide to Home Improvement
For further information check out the FMB's web site at:

www.findabuilder.co.uk

or telephone 08000 152522 for a free copy of The Essential Guide to Home Improvement, which is packed with sound advice on planning home improvement projects, and choosing and working with your builder.

Useful Contacts:
ODPM - www.odpm.gov.uk 0870 1226236
Local Authority Building Control - www.labc-services.co.uk 020 7641 8737
RIBA - (Royal Institute of British Architects) - www.riba.org 020 7580 5533
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) - www.rics.org.uk 0870 333 1600
Corgi, www.corgi-gas.com, 01256 372200

Scotland
Scottish Association of Chief Building Control Officers - www.sacbco.co.uk
RIAS (Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) - www.rias.org.uk 0131 229 7545
RICS Scotland - www.rics-scotland.org.uk 0131 225 7078

Northern Ireland
Building Control Northern Ireland - www.buildingcontrol.org
RSUA (Royal Society of Ulster Architects) 028 9032 3760 www.rsua.org.uk
RICS Northern Ireland - www.rics-northernireland.org.uk 028 9032 2877

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