CLEARING UP AFTER THE STORM - AVOID THE COWBOYS -

CLEARING UP AFTER THE STORM - AVOID THE COWBOYS - SAYS FMB The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is warning homeowners who have experienced damage to their property after the weekend storms to check the credentials of the builders they employ to carry out repairs. Ian Davis, director general of the FMB said: "Many people will be in a hurry to repair fallen chimneys, missing tiles and other damage resulting from the worst gales for two years. This is quite understandable, but we would urge the public to make sure they are employing a reputable builder to carry out the work. Rogue builders will be preying on unsuspecting and sometimes desperate people who need to fix their homes quickly. These builders are often incompetent and may even leave the job incomplete after asking for payments upfront in cash before they start the work." The FMB offers a free service to homeowners looking for a reputable builder. The Find-A-Builder service can be accessed through the Internet at www.findabuilder.co.uk or by calling the FMB on 020 7242 7583. Alternatively, look for builders displaying the FMB logo - and if in doubt, call the FMB to make sure they are a member. Don't choose a builder without following these simple guidelines from the FMB: Ask for references. Speak to the builders and look at their work if possible. Obtain estimates from two or three different builders. Be clear about what you want done. Ask for a written quotation. Agree any staged and final payments before work starts. Avoid adding to the job or changing your mind halfway through. 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. Clearing Up After The Storm - Avoid The Cowboys - Says Fmb/2 Media contact: Alison Parkes, Mark Button, or Fiona Davis-Coleman, Ridgemount PR Tel: 020 8943 9349 Fax: 020 8977 7568 Email: firstname@ridgemountpr.co.uk Notes to editors: The Federation of Master Builders is the construction industry's largest trade association and represents 13,000 firms. The role of the Federation is to provide an industry focus for small and medium sized building firms, to promote excellent standards in craftsmanship and assist builders to continually improve levels of building performance and customer service. The FMB logo is widely accepted as being the hallmark of a competent builder offering a dependable service. For further information access www.fmb.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/10/28/20021028BIT00940/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/10/28/20021028BIT00940/wkr0002.pdf