• Be very clear with your requirements, if you know what needs to be done eg. painting the entire first floor, including architraves (door surrounds), skirtings and cornices then say it in writing. If you don't know what needs to be done then explain what you expect the outcome to be eg. "I accept the quote No' xxx, dated 12-April 2002, confirming the following works are to be carried out: the taps to be replaced, ensuring no dripping occurs, the toilet seat replaced with new (to match existing model) and the bathroom floor and wall tiles to be replaced with the tiles as chosen, including grout (also colour chosen). Also when you have the inspection (the tradesman will need to make an inspection to give a quote) ask the tradesman what work needs to be done (take notes). Request that he/she outlines all the works in writing when they give you the quote

• Get at least three quotes, ask that the quote be in writing. Look at the quotes and question them carefully.

• When the tradesman comes to inspect the job prior to quoting ask to take a look with him/her and ask questions about the job to get an idea of whether they are communicating with you.

• Be very clear as to your own budget constraints (with yourself).

• Understand that work can be more costly than the quote for many unforseen reasons, allow a contingency sum within your budget.

• Sometimes it seems a waste of time to ask for and telephone references, especially if the job is only small, furthermore why would the tradesman give you the reference if the job had been unsuccessful? Despite your misgivings use your intuition, it cannot hurt to ask a few questions.

• Look for the following traits in you tradesman: communication, the ability to contact he/she quickly, written agreements, punctual, informative. Willing to listen to your needs and time constraints.

• Be aware that a "provisional sum" and "prime cost" is an item your builder or tradesman has allowed for in the budget to a certain extent only. He/she may have allowed $30.00 per square metre for your tiles, if you then chose a $100 per square metre tiles you will need to pay the difference. Sometimes builders will appear to have low quotes by adding many very low PC items (items that you will have to pay for later). Watch out for these in a quote.

• Finally, check their registration and insurance details. Building and services authorities website has a helpful search where you can check their registration Building services Authority.