One of the simplest, cheapest and most effective ways to protect yourself from being ripped off by rogue builders is to insist on having a contract, warns the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) as part of this year's National Consumer Week which is focusing on 'know your rights'.

Richard Diment, Director General of the FMB said: "Unfortunately too many consumers are not aware of their right to use a contract when having building work done to their home. A contract is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself as well as helping you save time, money and possible heartache in the long run. The FMB offers a free 'crystal mark' plain English contract which can be download by anyone from website: www.fmb.org.uk/find-a-builder/free-contracts/

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"Problems can occasionally occur with the best planned projects so for both builders and their clients to have a contract to fall back on is very sensible. If there is a dispute about the scope of work or the time the work it should take to complete the contract can be used as evidence of what was originally agreed. Ideally changes should not be made once the contract has been signed and the project starts but if you do need to make a change then talk to your builder as soon as possible. Make sure you discuss the time and cost implications and then add the agreed changes and implications into the contract.

"There are specific situations when you won’t need a contract for example if your washing machine has flooded your kitchen and you need to have the floor replaced or if you simply want a new handle on the living room door.

"In these situations it is fine to employ a builder without a contract as long as they provide you with their terms and conditions, which you must read carefully. Other than emergency situations such as these or for very small jobs always use a contract and don’t be fobbed off."

(CD/BMcC)