Every year the Office of Fair Trading receives over 100,000 complaints about builders -which illustrates how difficult it can be to find a reputable tradesperson. Yet there are many out there. City of York Trading Standards advises taking the following precautions to limit the chances of employing a 'cowboy'.

- Seek recommendations from friends and neighbours. Look for well-established contractors. Take up references and check for county court judgements. Ask for details of recent jobs carried out and contact these customers

- Be clear about what you want, (e.g. type of materials) so the builder can cost the job properly. Don't be pressurised into unnecessary work you don't want/can't afford

- Calculate the maximum you are prepared to spend, but don't let the company quoting know the figure you have in mind. Get at least three quotes (firm prices) rather than estimates (subject to change)

- Never pay any money before the work starts (you might want to agree to make interim payments throughout the course of the work.) Don't be tempted by VAT-free deals for cash - if someone is prepared to openly cheat on taxes how do you know they will be fair with you?

- For larger jobs, specify the completion date, how rubble will be disposed of, hours of working, preparatory work, and access to facilities such as electricity and water

- For jobs costing a few thousand pounds, you will need a detailed written contract. You may want to consider using the services of a professional adviser such as a surveyor or architect to manage the project

- Check the builder has insurance cover. There are also insurances which provide cover if the builder goes out of business

- Make sure the work is satisfactory before you pay the final bill - it is a good idea to include in the contract an agreed period after the end of the work during which you can retain the final payment

- Contract for work and materials are governed by the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.

York Trading Standards, Age Concern and the Safer York Partnership have developed a Home Services Directory - a list of reputable tradespeople, all of whom have been checked out. The list is available to older and vulnerable people.

If you need further advice contact York Trading Standards on 01904 551562 or call in at 9 St Leonard's Place. The e-mail address is trading.standards@york.gov.uk and the fax number is 01904 551590.

Updated: 10:08 Thursday, April 18, 2002