Bob and the builder

Our builder's name is Euan Smith, of Lifestyle Builders. This isn't him. This is Bob our dog saying his goodbyes to the shack. Euan was far less sentimental and the building and the spa pool were gone within a day or two. We found Euan by chance. When trying to find out whether we needed permission to remove the shack (it wasn't all that clear when I talked to the council) I happened to ring a building expert for advice who happened to know Euan and it all went from there. Apparently, this isn't the way to do it. Google 'how to choose a builder' and you get all sorts of advice on how to protect yourself (and the builder) from disasters, including having watertight agreements, definitive schedules and regular meetings. We've failed on all fronts. Like my husband Stu, I believe in a handshake. 'Watertight' contracts have never prevented me from catastrophe before. Euan might not be the type of person who sends regular email updates or pre-warns you weeks in advance of the need for something, but a face-to-face chat with him inspires confidence. We're not naive enough to expect there never to be any problems; one episode of Grand Designs is enough to make you realise the horrors that can happen when communication between client and tradespeople breaks down. But for now it's great.