Many agencies offer builders that have been "vetted". In the vast majority of cases this means they have been sent a form asking for 3 references from people they have worked for. The "referees" are not vetted. They could be relations of the builder; who knows!

The builder then pays the agency a fee to be on their "quote list" and if you use that agency you will receive 3 quotes from builders who have paid to do the quote. One of those builders will get the job and that one has to pay a further fee to the agency, usually based on a percentage of the contract value. 

Make no mistake, the builders will not pay this money out of their own pocket. You will pay, and because all of the quotes come through the same agency, you will not notice. At DIY Doctor we are appalled by this system and offer you the information you need to vet your own builders.

Your home is the most expensive thing you will ever own. Take responsibility for it.

Or, further information is available in the book below. It costs £9.99 and is usually dispatched within 24 hours.