
Anybody can set up as a builder, but this freedom comes with huge pitfalls. How do you know if your best quote was given by a seasoned expert rather than an ex window cleaner? So how do you go about finding the perfect builder?

Personal recommendation is probably about the best route because if you know someone who's pleased with a job and they've referred a builder then that builder won't want to let them down, just as they won't want to let you down. This was the case with Mario Savvo, a discerning client who found his soulmate in builder Julian Clarke. Together they went on to win best new London house in the Master Builder of the Year Awards.

If you don't know anybody who's had any building work done recently, check out some impartial websites for advice. People will only go out of their way to list their builder on a site like this if they were genuinely delighted with all aspects of the job. This includes the quality of the craftsmanship but also the ability to deliver on time and on budget.