CITA - Construction Industry Trade Alliance - trade association for builders and allied tradesmen within the UK building industry

Its always difficult to ensure you choose the correct tradesman for the job, whatever the trade may be, but there are a few guidelines to follow to make sure you choose a qualified builder ....

1. Ask your friends and neighbours if they've used anyone local that they'd be happy to recommend to you.

2. Always ask for estimates from at least three different companies, and ask for details of satisfied customers.

3. Get them to visit your home before quoting so they can see fully what the job involves, and make sure you enquire about costs for any extras they may have to do once the work has started, such as new wiring.

4. Get the quotes in writing - detailing the work, materials, price, and check whether the cost includes vat.

5. Don't always be tempted by the cheapest

quote, as they could be using substandard materials or skimping on the quality of finish.

6. If the builder claims to be a member of a Trade Association then check this out and confirm that they are registered.

Remember too that you have an obligation to the contractor you choose. Make it clear what you want and what work you require doing at the beginning of the job. If you keep changing your mind as the work progresses then you should agree to meet any extra expenses that may be involved.

We recommend that all householders check credentials of any builder quoting for work,. C.I.T.A. Members are issued with Identification Cards to validate their registration.

All C.I.T.A. Registered Contractors have had to provide references to their standard of workmanship before membership is confirmed.

CONTACT US

If you have employed a CITA registered contractor to do work on your property and have a problem that can’t be resolved amicably, we are on hand to help alleviate the situation.

In the event of a dispute C.I.T.A. will communicate with both parties to establish the circumstances and offer help and assistance in resolving the problem to the satisfaction of all concerned.

The Building Industry continues to be plagued by reports of unscrupulous 'cowboy' builders taking advantage of the public, with many cases of shoddy workmanship and over-pricing.

CITA's aim is to ensure that the public are protected, and that the reputations of good, honest builders remain intact.