We've all heard tales of the home improvement job from hell, the one that was supposed to take two days but instead lasts two months and goes way over budget.

Among several new guidelines on consumer rights issued by the European Consumer Centre and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs is a guide to home improvement jobs. The leaflet contains handy tips to help consumers avoid falling victim to the minority of contractors who leave behind rickety stairs and leaking extensions.

It advises consumers to plan their job well and to be clear about what they want done from the start. They should shop around for a couple of quotations from reputable or recommended companies while it also helps to look at similar work carried out by the contractor in the past.

Consumers are also urged to check if the company or contractor is a member of a professional body or a recognised trade association. For large projects, it may also be worth while to consider employing an architect or surveyor to manage the project.

Don't forget to check out any relevant planning regulations with the Department of the Environment and Local Government before beginning work as planning permission may be required.

Before work begins, a job specification should be drawn up and agreed with the contractor. A comprehensive quotation should also be obtained in writing which can come in useful if the final bill turns out to be higher than expected. The leaflet also recommends retaining final payment until you are satisfied with the finished job.

The European Consumer Centre has also issued guidelines on buying a used car and on basic consumer rights. For more information, contact the centre on 01- 809 0600 or the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs on 01-402 5555 or 021-274 099, Lo-Call 1890 220 229.