PLANNING and preparation, both practical and financial, is the key to the success of any home improvement scheme.

Without proper time and budget management, home improvement jobs that look simple can accrue costs that spiral out of control.

American Express Bank has published a free guide to planning and managing home improvements. This guide includes design tips, check lists, contractual arrangements, project financing and advice on how to find the right tradesman. For a free copy call freephone 0808 1002265.

To complete a home improvement project within a set budget and time frame planning and preparation are vital. American Express Bank recommends three easy steps to success.

1) Take time to plan

• Set a budget and stick to it: A general estimate is a good starting point, include factors such as materials, labour and hiring machinery.

• Plan for the unexpected: Set aside at least 20 per cent of the budget as a contingency to cover the unexpected.

• Decide on timings: Set a timeframe to avoid extending the deadline that could result in escalating labour costs.

• Choose a design before starting the job: Consider personal requirements before the job begins to avoid being bulldozed into something that will have to be redone after a few months.

• Obtain a selection of quotes: This will help to avoid overcharging and should enable the homeowner to make an informed decision.

2) Find the right person for the job

Time is money so make sure the people you employ are not wasting yours. Find someone you can communicate easily with and are comfortable with from the outset. Friends’ recommendations can be a good starting point.

Key questions to ask professionals:

• Ask each contractor, builder or tradesman if they are a member of a trade association or regulatory body.

• Ask for customer referrals from a similar project.

• Ask to see a copy of their certificate of insurance or ask for the name of the insurance carrier.

• Ask the contractor for examples of how they have solved problems.