'First builder I've used who did everything he was contracted to do, on time and on price,' 

reads the opening review for Weston-Super-Mare-based building firm Clayton Construction on their Which? Trusted Traders profile page. And the following reviews reinforce that positive first impression.

This doesn’t come as a surprise to Mark Orchard from Clayton Construction, winner of Which? Trusted Traders’ trader of the month accolade. 'Attending homes where another builder has done a botch job is a regular occurrence,' he says.

'Unfortunately, customers often make poor decisions and go for the business whose quote is considerably lower than the others,' says Mark. 'Understandably, everyone wants a bargain but when it comes to building work, you get what you pay for. Running a company properly is not cheap. In addition to our dedication to quality workmanship, we invest in our staff through training and qualifications, and ensure that our business paperwork is organised and up-to-date.'

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Mark’s small, family business prides itself not in being the cheapest, but in offering value for money. 'We do a quality job at a fair price,' he said.

Passing a stringent assessment and being recognised as a professional and trustworthy business by consumer champion Which? has raised the profile of Clayton Construction. 'We don’t need to to do much advertising,' says Mark. 'We rely on word of mouth – the old-fashioned sort as well as electronically via the Which? Trusted Traders website.

'People associate the Which? brand with quality,' Mark says. 'They appreciate that using a Which? Trusted Traders endorsed business, even if it means paying a little extra, guarantees great service.'

Mark wants to see an improvement in the standards and reputation of the building industry and thinks Which? Trusted Traders has a role to play. 'I’m pleased the scheme continues to grow,' he says, 'because more Which? endorsed builders means fewer disappointed consumers'.

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