When times are hard, people can get desperate, and there are many unscrupulous builders ready to take advantage.

The advice from Steve Roffey, Managing Director of Joseph James Building Contractors Ltd. in Caterham, is always to get references from builders, preferably from established surveyors and architects, before employing them.

"Builders can cause damage and destroy lives if they carry out work incorrectly," says Steve. "One of the frightening things about the building industry is that builders are not regulated and anyone can become a builder with no training required beforehand. I believe the building trade should be regulated because if a builder doesn't do a job properly, people can get hurt and in some cases buildings can collapse, as heppened to a house in Purley."

Steve is proud that his company delivers a fully professional service that involves efficient planning and good quality work. He says: "I know from personal experience that it is very important to liaise with the client, esepcially when we are working in occupied houses. This can be difficult for people which we fully understand, so communication is vital."

Steve firmly believes in the values of caring and doing a professional job. "30 years ago I trained as a family builder and I would like to pass my lessons on to someone one day," says Steve. "I think it is important to carry on the values of previous generations of care, quality and professionalism."

For advice or a quote from Joseph James Building Contractors Ltd. call Steve Roffey on 01883 347988.