With property prices still holding their own, more people are choosing to extend their existing property rather than move into a bigger one.

Home extensions not only create extra space but can also increase the value of your home. If you have space in your garden, an extension or conservatory can be a worthwhile investment, or you could consider converting your loft space or even a basement. But, whichever route you take, this kind of makor building project can be expensive so it is important that you use a good builder to carry out the work.

Although 'cowboy builders' are very much in the minority, Trading Standards still receive many reports of bogus tradesman each year. The best way to make sure you employ a good company is through personal recommendation. Try asking friends and family about their experiences, or if you notice someone in your street who is having building work done, have a chat with them to see if they are happy with the work their builders are doing.

Even if you manage to get a personal recommendation, it's still a good idea to do a bit of leg work yourself, just to make sure.

Before you commit to anything, try to get at least three quotes from different companies, but remember that you tend to get what you pay for, so the lowest price isn't necessarily the best.

Although it can be difficult to find out whether you are dealing with a reputable company, there are certain things that can suggest a builder may not be as honest as you would like. For example, they may: Offer you a cheap deal for cash - this is usually a way for them to avoid VAT.

  • Say they can start the next. A good builder will usually be busy.
  • Only be reached by mobile phone and not put an address on their business card - you don't want to discover later that their 'office' is actually at the local pub.

Reputable builders will also be happy to put you in touch with past clients who can show you examples of their work. Bogus builders might try to confuse you with jargon or avoid giving you costings. If anything about them makes you feel wary, it is always better to be cautious and go elsewhere.

Many bogus builders are likely to be reluctant to sign a contract but, as this forms the basis of their agreement with you, don't allow them to start work without one.

The contract should include details of the work to be undertaken as well as when payment is to be made. Never agree to pay in advance and, if you're going to be paying in stages, don't make the final payment until you have inspected the work and are happy that the work is satisfactory.

Despite the fact the 'cowboy builders' give the trade a bad name, there are a lot of reputable building firms out there. Many of them belong to trade organisations such as the Federation of Master Builders which help to regulate the industry by having strict codes of conduct that all members must adhere to.