2. Ask for references and check them out;  3. Ask about a builder’s experience and qualifications;  4. Check whether the builder uses sub-contractors;  5. Does the builder have insurance if something goes badly wrong?  6. Always ask for a detailed quote, checking how long the price is guaranteed for;  7. Draw up a contract if the work you require is substantial;  8. Agree phases of work and stage-payments;  9. Ask a council inspector to check the work meets building regulations;  10. Keep a final payment until the work is complete and snags rectified.  3W Developments, Worcestershire, specialising in large-scale renovations;  MAF Design & Build, Bury, husband-wife-and-son team specialising in damp and timber, solar and other energy work;  Thorn Homes, Gloucestershire, known for small extensions and refurbishments;  Graline Constructions, Birmingham, great for extensions;  Moffitt and Robinson, N Ireland, specialising in disability facilities, eco-building;  J P Construction, Manchester, known for custom-build new homes and refurbishments;  M Gaffney & Sons, Dumfries, roofing specialists;  B B Builders, Bedford, great for house extensions;  G White Building Services, Somerset, specialists in lofts, windows and patios;  Oakleafe Ltd., London, specialists in leak repairs and renovations;  McQuillan Building Contractors, Cookstown, N Ireland, known for extensions;  Robert Woodhead Ltd, Nottinghamshire, energy efficiency from building eco-homes to sustainable gardens;  Character Builders, Devon, four brothers specialising in period property maintenance and repair;  P N Lewis & Partner, Fylde, family-run business building walls, driveways and extensions;  F H D Building Contractors, Lancashire, great for kitchens, bathrooms and cellars;  Get Turner, central and east London, from planning applications to project management (and even furniture design);  Sporn Construction, Cotswolds, handling barn conversions and other green renovations;  R & R, Brighton, carpenters and bricklayers in house, other skills sub-contracted;  Valentine Building Services, Bournemouth, general builders including garden landscaping, drainage and bespoke garden buildings;  Dunkeld Builders, Perthshire, specialising in period buildings and derelict cottage restoration.
Finding a good builder can be tricky. Use our top tips, and list of Britain's   best, to make sure your renovation goes like a breeze