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Whether you are a new business or a long established business that is looking to overhaul their image, your shop front design is the one thing that most people will notice as they walk past your property. This can lead to a temptation to make your signage as bold and colourful as possible. This however, is not always a good idea. Firstly, too garish a design and colours often indicates cheapness and poor quality to many people. It may well also make you stand out from other shops, but in a negative way, if your new frontage is out of character with the rest of the high street.

Planning Regulations

Especially if you are making any structural alterations, but even if you are simply planning new signage, you should contact your local council to check if you need planning permission or not. Once this has been cleared, you are free to start your new design.

Character

Depending on your property, you will want to look at other properties in the vicinity and decide how best to work your new design in with the character of others. This does not mean that all designs need to be the same, but they should have tasteful similarities to keep the high street looking like a place that people will want to visit and not one which is simply full of bold advertisements. Blending in will also keep you in good standing with other local businesses and this can be invaluable when support is needed. You need to get the balance right between bold shop sign and blending in with your surrondings.

Signage

Your signage should take up no more than 20% of the total area of your shop front. The main signage is usually positioned above the shop with large lettering, with smaller letters offering a brief description of the business. Take time to find a good quality font too that fits in with your business and the local area; you may find it useful to find an experienced designer for this purpose rather than do it yourself.

Materials

Generally speaking, traditional materials such as wood are to be preferred, however modern materials often offer other benefits such as insulation so these should be borne in mind. Whilst some shop owners prefer to have their signs lit from the inside with neon lighting, external lighting offers a classier option and will look better on the high street.

Security and Signage

Security is obviously an important issue for any shop owner and shutters are often used to draw down over the windows when the shop is closed. This also offers an extra opportunity for signage and subtle but effective lettering may be placed here also.

Access

Bear in mind when designing your shop front, that all commercial properties must now be accessible to those with disabilities. Make sure that there are ramps available for wheelchair users in particular.

If you have been banned from driving, this means you should stay off the road for the duration of your ban.  Unfortunately, some people think they will never get caught.  It is getting increasingly difficult not to get caught, however, and the punishments are severe.  Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions by some who think they could get away with it.

How Will I Be Punished If I Do Get Caught?

A lot of things can happen to you if you do get caught.  It is very likely that you will go to jail, not just because you have broken the law – again – but also because you will have disrespected the court.  If the court does send you to jail, you will go straight away.  It is also possible that they adjourn the case because they want further information.  In this case, you may be granted bail, but you could also have to wait in prison before sentencing.  The very few that don’t go to jail will have to do a community sentence and they are also likely to receive a curfew.  Furthermore, your ban will probably be extended and you will receive another fine.

What Is The Best Case Scenario If I Get Caught?

The best case scenario is an extension of your ban and a fine.  However, in exceptional cases, the extended ban could be avoided.

Can I Reduce The Penalty Somehow?

There are always some extenuating circumstances.  If you have a very good solicitor who has his or her case well prepared, they may be able to convince the court to be lenient.  However, leniency is at the discretion of the judge.  You generally only have a few days to prepare yourself before being seen, and this is often not enough to prepare a very good case.

The problem here is that it is very difficult to prove that you accidentally committed the offence.  You should be well aware of the fact that you were banned from driving, so finding a circumstance that explains why you were behind the wheel of a vehicle is going to be a significant struggle.  Courts believe that everybody has at least a degree of common sense and they expect that you understand that a driving ban means you are not allowed to drive.  They will also have explained this to you in detail when your first ban was imposed.

Looking for more information? Visit Motoring Barrister Direct now.

Sometimes motoring can be a huge burden. Why? The expenses relating to motoring never seem to let up. One month you have your tax bill and the next, the MOT. If that is not enough, the price of fuel is increasing at an alarming rate. Of course, don’t forget the repairs you had to pay for unexpectedly. If there is a chance to save money with motoring, then you need to take it. Here are 3 ways that you can start saving money when it comes to your annual motoring expenses.

#1 Fuel

Start by trying to drive more economically. If you accelerate hard and brake hard, you will be wasting lots of energy. This energy is fuel, which costs a lot of cash. Try and drive smoothly. Give other drivers plenty of room and you won’t have to slow down so much. By driving economically, you can look forward to saving around 10% on your annual fuel bill. Of course, you can save even more by collecting money off coupons from supermarkets. Most major supermarkets regularly offer 5p per litre discount, which can make a lot of discount when you are filling up 50+ litres at a time.

#2 Maintenance

Prevention is always better than cure, which is why car maintenance is so important. Here is a quick example. Imagine that your brake pads are wearing low. You try and make them last slightly longer, but then they wear through to the metal. This metal grinds on the brake discs. Instead of having to replace just the brake pads, now you have to replace the brake pads and the discs. If you keep your car up to standard and replace parts before they actually need replacing, you’ll find that you will save money in the long run, not to mention that your car will operate much better.

#3 Garages

Shop around for garages and be prepared. Don’t wait until 2 days before your MOT to find somewhere to book it in. Find a local garage that you can trust but also offers great deals. The more in advance you can book the better. If you become a loyal customer, they are likely to go out of their way to fit you in when you have a major issue. Remember, avoid the large national chains. They have huge advertising bills to cover and they do this by charging higher prices.

Visit Motorloansdirect for more information on Car Finance.

Laptops are one of those things where no matter how much you spend, a newer, better one will come along and make yours look old long before you are ready to buy a new one. Additionally, because we tend to take our laptops everywhere we go and get them out to work with in all kinds of locations, from the bus to the beach and the coffee shop to the pub, they can soon start to look dirty and shabby while the inner workings and hardware are still very much cutting edge. If you have a laptop you still love and have no desire to upgrade any time soon, or you are sick of your old computer but simply can’t afford a replacement, then here are some tips to give it a fresh new look and feel without the cost of a whole new machine.

Decorate Your Laptop With Cool Decals Or Skins

You can get your hands on plenty of really cool looking skins, stickers and decals that can add a new, cool look to your laptop while spending what is basically a negligible amount. Skins are basically stickers of thin neoprene layers that you buy to fit the back of your laptop, and attach with an easy to remove adhesive. These are not expensive because they are just stickers, but they can give your computer a completely new look that you can customise to your own taste and style, making whatever statement you want to make.  And they can also be reused so you can buy a variety and switch your laptop’s design up daily if you wish.

What Kind Of Designs Can You Get For Laptop Stickers, Skins And Decals?

You can get just about any design you can imagine as a sticker, decal or skin for your old laptop. If you have something you are a really big fan of, whether it is a celebrity, a football team, a movie, a cartoon character or a band, you will be able to find good professional images in laptop skins that you can buy online and easily size and attach to your own computer. You can also get all kinds of colourful designs and patterns that can refresh your computer with a look that you like. One of the best things is that you can get a skin that matches for your phone or your tablet, so you can create a cool coordinated effect that will make all of your hardware look really smart and stylish together.

Visit Taylorhe for more information on Buy Laptop Skins.

Grass seed will only germinate successfully if it is nourished with the proper quantities of water and moisture. These two things will make sure that the seed sprouts correctly. There are many different types of seed, and they germinate at different times of the year. But, they all need the same things so they can develop into grass. You may notice a difference in the germination of the seeds that you planted if the seeds are of different varieties of grass. The germination process can also be affected by uneven sunlight exposure and watering. If you have mixed seeds that grow more slowly than other seeds, the slower growing seeds will not be exposed to an adequate amount of water.

Many things can affect how well the seeds for your lawn will germinate after they have been planted. This does not mean that you alone will be the deciding factor as to how well your lawn grows, but there are things that you can do to help ensure your lawn has a healthy and successful start. There are three things that the seeds that you plant for your lawn will need so they can grow properly:

• Light
• Water
• Soil

These three things will ensure that the seeds will hull and sprout. Heat or warmth is also a very important aspect that will determine the success of your lawn. The amount of warmth that the seeds receive is important because the warmth will help to determine how much moisture the seeds will absorb. All of these factors must be present when you are trying to grow your lawn with seeds, or the germination will occur at a much slower rate.

The Seeds You Plant For Your Lawn Need Moisture

Before you plant seeds into soil to start a lawn, you need to make sure that the soil has the proper moisture levels that the seeds require to grow. If there is not enough moisture in the soil, your seeds will not have a fighting chance. Any sprouts that do develop will quickly die due to a lack of moisture. The opposite is also true. If the seeds receive too much moisture, the seeds can rot. This is why it is critical for property owners or landscapers to check the moisture levels in the soil on a regular basis.

The Seeds You Plant For Your Lawn Also Require Moisture

Different types of grass require different temperatures so they can develop into a lush lawn. Grass that is considered cool season grass thrives in temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius. Warm weather grass requires warmer temperatures. You can use a simple thermometer or other device so you can find out the normal soil temperatures in your area.

If you are not familiar with henna hair dye, it is a natural dye that is made from the henna plant. The dye is created through a process in which the leaves of the plant are dried and then ground into a powder. Henna dye has been used as a hair and skin treatment for centuries in many areas of the world including India. When the dye is used unprocessed, it leaves a beautiful reddish colour on the hair. The dye is also strong enough to go through the hair shaft and alter the colour the hair permanently. Although the dye is considered permanent, it will eventually fade the more you wash and condition your hair and scalp.

Can You Find This Type Of Hair Dye In A Local Shop?

You may have to do a little footwork if you are looking for this dye in the United Kingdom or other Western countries. Because the henna dye is considered all natural and based from plants, not chemicals, you should be able to find the dye in your local health food shop. There is also a great chance that you will be able to find this dye online. Many online hair and beauty suppliers now sell henna as hair dye. You will have a choice of choosing the powder form, or you may be able to purchase it as a pre mixed dye.

What Other Colours Is Henna Available In?

Henna that is considered pure comes directly from the henna plant. This plant will allow the henna to produce a dye that is reddish-brown. Henna can also be mixed with different types of plant byproducts, and this can create different colours. The great thing is that you can mix henna with different natural derivatives and still dye your hair naturally.Black henna is a very popular alternative to the pure henna. Black henna is formed when the dye is mixed with indigo. You can also experiment and create your own henna dye mixtures. You can use:

• Black Tea
• Coffee
• Turmeric
• Lemon juice

It is also important to remember that since you will be using chemical free products to change the colour of your hair; the effect may not be immediately visible after one application. Be prepared to apply several applications of henna dye so you can achieve the colour you are looking for.

What Should You Look Out For?

Anytime you are purchasing a product that claims to be “all natural”, be sure to check the ingredient label that is on the package. Stay away from synthetic substances because they may cause allergic reactions.

Southampton is a wonderful place to visit for the entire family. Located on the South Coast of England, it has immediate access to the sea along with globally recognised ports. Considered to be the main city of Hampshire, Southampton houses a population of over 280,000. Residents are nestled in to the peaceful countryside, famous for its rolling hillsides, rich heritage, ancient forest and eighteenth century architecture.

Family Friendly Attractions

There is a fair amount of choice regarding car hire Southampton. The airport has a broad selection of options to cater to every requirement, and you can be on your way the moment you pick up your luggage. From there, the city is packed with activities, attractions and things to do.

• Parks – Being one of the greenest areas on the south side of England, it boasts a number of beautiful parks, the majority close to Old Town. Back in Victorian times, these parks were common land used for growing crops and grazing cattle. Now, restored, they give a sophisticated, old-fashioned air, with intricate fountains, breathtaking rose gardens and historical sculptures.
• Museums – As the history and culture of this area is full and rich, you can expect to find numerous museums boasting historical exhibits. The Medieval Merchant’s House is a popular choice, being one of the earliest merchant houses to survive in England. Fully restored, you can browse the skilfully replicated furnishings and learn a little about life in that era. Another frequented place is the SeaCity Museum, which interactively explores the location’s historical and maritime connection to the ocean.
• Theatres – Without a doubt, the Mayflower Theatre steals much of the limelight in Southampton. It is the largest of its kind in Southern England, and has been a popular source of performing arts since 1928. It is a great source of amazing ballet performances, musicals, operatic productions, pantomime acts and comedy evenings. You may even get to witness celebrity performances there.
• Shopping – For a full day of shopping, pay a visit to the WestQuay Shopping Centre, Marlands and Bargate. Together, these areas have ranked Southampton 13th in top retail destinations. It is great for specialty shopping, and helps to promote smaller brands and retailers.
• Historic Old Town – A definite jewel, hidden away and boasting many cultural treasures, Old Town is worth the visit. 800 year old Bargate stands as an ancient entryway, beyond which you can explore medieval vaults, drink tankards of ale at the public house and roam the Tudor House and Garden.

When you found out you were expecting a child, did your thoughts immediately turn to maternity lingerie? Most first time expectant mums have so many things to consider and prepare for, it can all seem rather overwhelming. The upside is that there are many types of maternity bras to choose from, so at least you will not have to worry about finding suitable bras to accommodate you during this exciting time.

Although many women before you have walked the path towards parenthood that you are on travelling on, some of the same questions are continually asked about certain types of maternity lingerie, particularly maternity bras. There are many good reasons why you need to temporarily trade your regular bras in for some maternity ones.

A Regular Bra Should Be Suitable To Wear During Pregnancy, Right?

You will most likely never undergo as many changes in your life as you will when you are pregnant. There will be a wide range of both emotional and physical changes. It may be easier for you to deal with the emotional ups and downs if you are physically comfortable. Your body will endure many changes, and your breasts will grow large as they prepare to nurse your child after birth. This is why you must wear a maternity bra that will give you the critical support that you need. A regular bra is different from a maternity bra in several ways:

• The shape
• The fabrics used
• The way it is constructed
• The flexibility or lack of

But, there are several things that you should look for when you are selecting a maternity bra:

• Fabric that will allow your skin to breathe
• Material that prevents chafing
• Plenty of eye and hook closures in the back
• Straps that are comfortable and supportive
• A bra that can also be used for nursing

It Is Better To Wear A Bigger Sized Regular Bra, Correct?

It is more than likely that you will notice your breasts have gotten larger before your first trimester has ended. If you wear regular bras, there is probably an underwire in the bra. These types of wires can cause a host of pregnancy related issues that can greatly decrease the chances of you producing an adequate milk supply for your baby.

How Many Maternity Bras Will You Need?

Most women wear at least six different maternity bras whilst they are pregnant. Three of these bras are the size during the first trimester, and the last three are the size before delivery.

Please Visit Totallyblooming.co.uk for more information on Maternity Lingerie.

There is something really nice about wearing a matching set of underwear. Whether you are expecting anyone to actually see it or not, some elegant, attractive underwear that looks great as a set can make you feel confident and can also make your outfits look better, if you have the right cut of bra and other underwear for what you are wearing over the top of it. The majority of women have a few sets of matching underwear they really like, but some women like to wear matching sets every single day! Here we take a look at how to find good matching underwear sets, and what to avoid.

Make Sure All Parts Of The Set Are The Right Sizes

Some stores, particularly budget fashion shops, will sell matching bras and knickers together on the peg. This means you pick up one hanger with a bra and thong or pair of briefs on it, and that’s what you buy. They put these together based on the most common size combinations, so you may find a 36C bra with a pair of size 14 knickers, a 32B bra with a pair of size 8 knickers, and so on. Naturally, if you happen to fit with their idea of what sizes go together, this can be a great way to get cheap matching sets, but if you don’t, don’t be tempted by the price tag. Underwear that is the wrong size looks terrible, and you can tell through your clothes if your pants or bra are too small. If the matching knickers that come with the bra you want are too small, or too big, even by one size, you won’t find them comfortable and will end up not wearing them, so it’s a false economy. Instead, choose single items in your size that are designed to match. It may cost a little more but will look much better.

Choose The Style Of Knickers You Like Best

Another advantage of buying your matching pieces as separates is you can choose the style of pants you like. Often there will be matching normal bikini type knickers and also a thong, or a French knickers style you can choose from all in the design that matches the bra you like. You can therefore pick the type you find most comfortable or flattering, rather than being limited to what comes with the bra in a set on the rack.

Visit Bettyandbelle for more information on Bras.

Anyone who has a baby completely understands how much mess can accumulate when a baby is having a meal. It is incredible the amount of mess that a baby can make when they are trying to place food into their mouths. It seems the food ends up everywhere else. Experienced mums know that it is best to keep a small arsenal of dribble bibs on hand whenever it is time to feed the baby. The bibs will help keep the clothes free of stains, and the children can remain as clean as possible.

Why Bibs Are Important Even Outside Of Feeding Time

When babies dribble, it can cause the clothes they are wearing to look ragged. This can give the baby an unkempt look. This is why you should make sure that your baby has access to a bib even when you are not feeding them. Some parents feel that a bib will cover up the outfits that their children are wearing so they will sacrifice the cleanliness of the clothing instead of using a bib. There is an alternative for these fashion forward parents, bandana bibs. These types of bibs are also considered an accessory, and they are very similar to adult bandanas. The bibs also come in many different designs, colours, and pattern options.

The Benefits of Bibs Used For Dribble

Not only do these bibs help reduce the amount of staining on a baby’s clothing, these bibs will also keep your baby warm. Almost all of the bibs are made from materials that will not irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. Most of the bibs that are made for dribble are constructed out of velour. Young children of all ages can wear these bibs to help effectively reduce the amount of spillage on the clothing, but babies should be able to sit up before the bibs can truly perform their magic.

Other Benefits of Using a Bib for Dribble for Your Baby

• The bibs are trendy, and they can make your baby look cute.
• They protect clothing, and reduce the amount of dribble stains on clothing.
• They cannot be easily pulled off by your child.
• The bibs can also be used in cold weather to keep the baby warm.
• The bibs can also help with brain development and sensory perception in a child.

A bib that is used to reduce dribble on clothing is a must have accessory for all parents. They help reduce the mess during feeding time, and they provide many benefits for your baby.

A regular visit to the dry cleaners in order to clean your goose down duvet (the comforter) will not only work out to be expensive, but it also leaves you without your comforter for a number of days. However, it is actually possible to wash this type of duvet, although it is advisable to be extremely careful and follow the instructions below.

Avoid Washing on a Regular Basis

Firstly, you shouldn’t wash a goose down too regularly, as this will simply shorten its lifespan. It is also possible to freshen up the comforter by simply hanging it outside. In fact, this is typically the best option if it doesn’t have any unwanted stains or marks. You even have the option to use your own washing machine, however, if you happen to own a queen or king-size your best option would be to use a larger machine in a laundrette.

You should never use any type of fabric softener and always wash the duvet in cold water. If you must, use a tiny amount of washing powder or liquid. You may notice that the comforter fluffs out. If this does occur, it simply means you need more water. The duvet should always appear soaked to the naked eye. You may need a number of washes in order to achieve this.

How About Drying?

You should always dry a goose down with cold air. Once again, this can be achieved in a dryer at the laundrette. It is extremely important that the comforter is completely dry otherwise it will begin to smell. The best course of action is to use a machine for a maximum of one hour and then simply allow it to dry naturally for as long as it takes. In some cases this may be up to or over 24 hours.

Top Tips for Maintaining that Fresh Look

There are a number of ways in which you can ensure your duvet looks fresh. These include, shaking it out on a daily basis, thus allowing air to travel through the comforter and redistributing the down in a more even fashion. As soon as you get a stain on it you must immediately clean it with cold water and then obviously allow it to dry. If for any reason you need to store it avoid plastic bags, as these typically lead to mildew and mould. Finally, always purchase a decent duvet cover, as this negates the need to wash it too often.

If you are running a busy hair salon, insurance is something you must have by law. Every business needs to protect itself with the right kind of insurance, and though this can be a costly bill it offers peace of mind to you and your customers if anything should go wrong. Every business has its own list of risks and you need to be aware of everything that could potentially go wrong in your salon. There are many different types of policies but there are three major policies you must be covered by.

Buildings Insurance

Your premises needs to be covered by buildings insurance if you own it. If you are renting it, then the owner will have organised their own cover. Make sure you understand what is covered as in the unlikely event of a fire for example you will need to know that you don’t lose out.

Contents Insurance

Your salon will stock loads of products, furniture and tools that your business just won’t be able to run and function without. Contents insurance will cover you for damage, loss or theft of these items. Watch out for single article limits if you have any items of high value – you may need to specify them. You will also have to pay an excess if you claim for anything so make sure you know what that is. The right insurance policy will cover you for replacement of any goods lost or damaged so your business can carry on operating.

Public Liability Insurance

Every business should have Public Liability insurance. This covers you for accidental damage or injury to clients and their possessions. For example, hair-dyes are hazardous chemicals and should some go into a customer’s eye they’ll be looking to you for compensation. Make sure your policy covers you for every conceivable risk – should an accident occur you’ll be glad you were thorough.

On top of these you need to do your own risk assessment within your business to spot any other potential risks. Your insurance broker will advise you on the best way to cover yourself against these things. Make sure you have had an in-depth conversation with them so they know your business inside out. Getting the right kinds of insurances is a hassle but it is more than worth it for your peace of mind – it’ll help you sleep a lot better at night without waking up worrying!

If you want to see all of the famous London sites then getting on board a Thames boat cruise is definitely well worthwhile. Whilst on board there are lots of opportunities for you to take photo. If you go at night you do not need to worry as all of the main sites of London are illuminated.

Wanting To See Specific Sites

Before booking your cruise you will need to ensure that you check what sites the boat will be visiting as different boats will take different routes down the River Thames and therefore will see different sights.

What Are The Highlights Of The River Thames?

One of the most popular and best views whilst on board a River Thames cruise is Westminster Palace. Not only does Westminster Palace have a lot of history it is also a stunning building. Another reason for Westminster Palace being so popular is that it stands proud right next to Big Ben. This gives all tourists a fantastic photo opportunity.

Across the River from Big Ben is the London Eye. The London Eye is more modern than Westminster Palace but is still structurally beautiful. It is 135meters high and is the world’s tallest observation wheel. Since being built in 1999 and opened to the public in 2000 the London Eye has grown in status and can now compare to such structures as the Tower of London and Big Ben.

What Sites Can I See When Going Upstream?

Whilst cruising upstream (west of the city) you will be able to see Albert Bridge and Chelsea Harbour. Once past these sites the land will become less populated and there will be more greenery.

What Sites Can I See When Going Downstream?

Going downstream (east of the city) is very different to going upstream. Instead of lots of greenery you are more likely to see famous landmarks and converted warehouses. One famous landmark you will see is Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge was built in 1984 and has stood above the River Thames ever since. It has become one of the most recognised bridges in the world. HMS Belfast is another landmark you will see it is located very close to Tower Bridge and was used in the Second World War. Directly opposite HMS Belfast is the famous Tower of London where the crown jewels are retained.

Another attraction that can be seen to the east of the city is the Millennium Dome. The Thames surrounds almost half of the dome so there are plenty of photo opportunities here.

The internet shopping industry is huge. More people are shopping now, than ever before. In fact, here is the thing; consumers expect every single business to have an online store, or at least a website. Nowadays it has become the norm and the businesses that do not have these online stores are going to come across as being incredibly unprofessional. If your business does not have an ecommerce platform, then there are plenty of options, allowing you to get online quickly, easily and within budget.

What Is An Ecommerce Store?

An ecommerce store is not just a static website that allows consumers to read information relating to products. What an ecommerce store does is allows consumers to find the products that they want and purchase them instantly. A platform will combine the software that hosts the products with a payment gateway. This way, consumers are able to pay for their items securely. Payment options can include the likes of PayPal and popular cards such as Visa and MasterCard, to name a few.

How Will It Help A Business?

Up until now, you might have been operating within a local area. The radius for customers that have been using your business’s products and/or services could be 5, 10 or even 15 miles. Whilst this might have brought in enough custom, the reality is that the target audience is still going to be incredibly small. Here is the good thing; you have a chance to change that. By using a platform for your store, you can sell to customers throughout the UK. In fact, you can sell worldwide if your profit margins are good enough.

How Much Will It Cost?

This is a question that is not easy to answer. Some online stores have hosted packages, whereby they pay £10-20 per month to have their store hosted and to make use of the software available. Others use Open Source packages, which are free. Then there are platform templates, which can range from £100-1,000. Of course, every business is different, so finding the right piece of software can sometimes be difficult. For this reason, more and more people are going down the customised route. They get a web development company to build them a platform from scratch. Of course, it is worth noting that this is going to be the most expensive option. Some online stores are using customised packages that have cost them in excess of £15,000!

It’s really hard to find competent builders that you trust, with so many scare stories about cowboys going around. In 2011 Leeds was named the third biggest city in the United Kingdom, and it is still growing rapidly. So if it’s a Leeds builder you’re looking for, you’re going to be spoilt for choice – there are plenty out there and they all have loads of experience! Don’t compromise on what you are looking for, and follow these tips to make sure you give your business to someone deserving of it.

Seek Recommendations

Surely the best way to find any service-provider is through word of mouth. If your friends have had lovely new extensions built then get their builder’s number. Ask around at work and see if anybody has someone they would happily recommend. If they do, ask if you can pop round and have a look at their handiwork.  The other reassuring thing about having a builder recommended to you is that they are far more likely to be trustworthy – and remember these people will probably be in your house when you’re not around so it’s really important that you have faith in them.

Ask Your Local Trade Union

Most reputable builders will be members of their local trade union. Make an enquiry and ask for a list of approved builders in your area.

Ask Any Potential Builder For Testimonials

If you find someone you feel happy to go ahead with, then ask them if you could speak to a couple of their previous clients to make sure they were happy with the work. Any good builder will understand that you need peace of mind when you are considering sending a job their way, so they will be only too happy to make the process as reassuring as possible for you.

Go On Internet Forums

It’s worth seeing what people have to say about local builders online. There are many forums set up to discuss local builders so have a look and see who is getting the really good reviews (and the really bad ones!).

The Good Old Yellow Pages

Good builders will pay for good quality advertising so anybody that appears in the Yellow Pages is likely to be reliable.

Don’t jump too quickly when choosing a builder – firstly do your research to be sure you’ve got a good one. And if they do a good job tell your friends!