Seeking out the right tradesperson for works on your property can sometimes seem like a minefield. Every job comes with different challenges and experience requirements, so it’s up to you to ensure you find the right person for the job.
Nine times out of ten, the tradesperson you choose will do a stellar job and you’ll have no issues. However, there are a few individuals and companies out there who you have to be wary of. We’ve put together a round-up of 10 tips to help you navigate the market and find trusted tradespeople.
1. Start with personal recommendations
When seeking out a tradesperson for a particular job, it’s always advisable to ask for personal recommendations. Speak to your family and friends to see if anyone has had similar works done recently. Chances are they, or a friend of a friend will know someone ideal for the job.
Failing that, Facebook can be a great place to put the word out to your wider circle of friends when asking for recommendations. If people come forward with options, have a private chat with them and ask how the works went. Were they happy with the job? Is there anything you need to be aware of beforehand? Was the price fair and have they had any issues since?
2. Shop around
It goes without saying that you should always speak to at least three different companies to test the market and ensure you are quoted fairly. When getting quotes, don’t be vague or ambiguous. It’s important that you’re clear on the job and provide all the details the tradesperson will need. This will make it easier for suppliers to provide a clear, accurate quote and help to ensure there’ll be no extra fees further down the line.
Now, when you get the quotes back, don’t just opt for the cheapest option. There could be a reason for this. Maybe they use cheaper materials or have less experience - remember the age old saying, ‘you get what you pay for’? Likewise, if another quote comes back noticeably higher than the rest, it’s worth questioning it. If none of the quotes meet your expectations, don’t be afraid to widen your search.
3. Do your research
When you decide on a quote you’re happy with, make sure you check the company out. Most tradespeople have a presence online now whether that’s via a website, Google or Facebook. Have a scout around and make sure the information they are providing is legitimate. Is their business address correct? Have they carried out work before? This is particularly important if they are asking for an unusually large deposit before completing the job…
All trusted tradespeople will be happy to disclose a business address and any related legal information that you may want to see before paying a deposit. Alarm bells should ring if this information cannot be provided.
4. Check safety
This is true for any job no matter how large or small. Whether your contractor will be scaling your property on scaffolding or carrying out a simple plumbing job. Make sure they have the required health and safety accreditations. You can a list of them here. This is something landlords should also be wary of especially when having any gas or electricity works carried out.
5. Double check on unusual jobs
If you’re planning to have a very particular type of job carried out on your property, it’s advisable to check that the tradesperson you’re going with has experience in that area. For example, if your property is listed and or located in a conservation area, you’ll probably have to adhere to stringent rules.
It’s worth asking the company you’re planning to use if they have any previous experience in that area. Some may have case studies and others may be able to refer you to past customers. In doing this, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’re in safe hands.
6. Go local
This isn’t a must, but as a rule of thumb it’s usually preferable to go with local companies over those based miles away. Extra travel time and mileage is likely to impact costs and could influence the overall amount of time it takes to complete the job.
7. Discounts for cash payments
A company offering you a discount (of any size) for an upfront cash payment should raise alarm bells. Before paying any cash you should be 100% clear on the legitimacy of that business. There are horror stories of companies taking cash and leaving without a trace so be very wary about what you hand over in advance.
8. Check the contract
A common oversight for many when instructing work on their home is not reading the contract properly. This can lead to a whole manner of disputes from later finish dates to properties being left in a bad state of repair. You want to be clear that your property will be left in a good condition following the works and that the finish date you agreed to is met (or as closely as possible).
Be clear on every clause in the contract and if there’s anything you’re unsure of, always get clarity from the company before signing. If you’re really unsure then, depending on the size of the works being completed, it could be worth seeking legal advice to ensure everything in the contract is above board.
9. Don’t pay in full beforehand
Another obvious one but it’s important that you don’t pay for the works in full before they are completed. If you do so, you run the risk of being left with an unsatisfactory job.
10. Check your insurance
For complete peace of mind it is worth making sure that you are insured for the works should anything go wrong. Check your policy and if in doubt, consult your insurance provider. They will make it clear what you are and aren’t insured for and provide additional insurance options for full cover which you may want to consider. It’s also important to check that the company carrying out the works has its own insurance against any unforeseen issues or problems.
To sum up
If you take the necessary steps, you’ll be able to rest assured that the tradesperson you chose is reliable and able to complete the works to the standard you expect. Most are out to do a good job, it’s just the minority you have to be wary of. By asking the necessary questions and doing your research, you’ll be able to ensure you get the right person for the job.
If you’d like any further advice on property maintenance, we’d be happy to help. Call us on 01925 499599 or pop in for a chat.
