How To Choose The Right Tradesperson For Your Project

Finding a tradesperson for your next home project can be daunting. The majority are hard-working and trustworthy, but we have all heard the horror stories about less than reliable tradespeople. This guide provides you with our top 8 tips on how to avoid the pitfalls and help you find the best tradesperson for your project.

1. Get quotes from at least three businesses - this will enable you to compare prices and ensure you’re paying a fair price for the work you’re having done.
2. Ask friends, family, and neighbours for recommendations - whilst the Internet is a valuable source of information, a first-hand recommendation from a friend or family member is invaluable.
3. Read reviews - even if you've had a recommendation, it is always worth reading other reviews, as well as asking for customer testimonials. You can even go a step further and talk to these other customers. If a tradesperson is proud of their work, they should not have a problem with you doing this (with the customer's approval, obviously!).
4. Choose local if you can - local tradespeople will have a strong working knowledge of local planning permissions, as well as contacts with local suppliers and merchants.
5. Ask if they are members of any national schemes such as TrustMark, Competent Person Scheme, Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, or schemes run by other national trade associations. Membership demonstrates a tradesperson's dedication to their craft as well as to their customers.
6. Do not opt for the cheapest option, even though you may be tempted! Think about how you feel about the business do you get on? Is there clear communication between you both? Do you agree with their work ethic? Will you be happy for them to be in your home or garden?
7. Only pay once the work has been completed to ensure you are completely happy with the end result. Some businesses may need to ask for money up front to purchase materials, which is absolutely fine.
8. If your project is sizable, it is a good idea to communicate via email as well as vocally. This means you will have a written record of any changes that happen throughout the project and what was discussed and agreed on at the time.

We hope this guide provides some help in finding the perfect tradesperson for your next project. But if you need any further advice, call our friendly, knowledgeable team today on 0800 22 77 77.