Contractors
When choosing a builder, it is recommended to take the advice of architects or engineers who are accustomed to dealing with historic structures and who know appropriate contractors, craftsmen and suppliers. Such professionals can provide a detailed specification of the building's needs and the clients' requirements.
For work on an historic building, a building contractor can be used who employs his own craftspeople, or sub-contracts some of the work out to specialist craftspeople. Alternatively, it is possible to appoint the various craftspeople direct, which can be a more complicated procedure but ensures that the client/architect can employ the experts of their choice. Adequate and proper insurance is very important in such a case.
Members of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) are bound by the rules of the Federation and its constituent association. While not all reputable contractors are members of CIF, it is advisable to check before the contractor is engaged that (i) the contractor has the correct employers liability and public liability insurance, (ii) conforms to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 1995 and (iii) complies in full with the terms and conditions of the Registered Agreement for the construction industry, where applicable.
The Construction Industry Federation has set up a specialist section 'Heritage Contractors' among its members. These firms, who have passed through the CIF accreditation system, are indicated with an asterisk after their name in the Building Contractors section.