When you’re looking to get some building work carried out on your property, the first thing you’re going to do is speak to friends and family members about your ideas. They may then recommend one or two professionals who can do the job for you. One of which is usually a friend of the family, but he charges a steep price. What can you do to knock him down? Well your best bet is to ring around, get the building surveyed for free by other companies and see who is willing to do the work for the smallest sum. Once you have the information you need, weigh them up. See who is more proven, who has carried out more of the work you require and who is easy to trace should something not go to plan? Don’t let cowboy builders mug you off, get a quote from them and get back to them a few days later. It doesn’t need to be more difficult than that.