HOW TO FIND A TRUSTED TRADESPERSON

We all love a bit of DIY, but there are some home improvement projects that require the skills of a professional. Follow our guide to learn how to find the right tradesperson at the right price

WHERE DO I START?

Your local council’s website is a good place to begin when looking for a tradesperson. Search for ‘approved traders’ or ‘trading standards’. There should be a list of traders, or a link to another site where you can find trusted companies in your area.

It’s also worth looking at websites that recommend tradespeople, such as TrustMark, Checkatrade and Which? Trusted Trader. Another great way to start your search is by asking friends, family and neighbours for their recommendations. Find out about their experiences, and view the finished project if you can.

CAN I TRUST RATINGS AND REVIEWS?

There are plenty of websites that have a review system, but how can you tell if these are genuine? Each one will have its own rules, so it’s always best to check each website’s policy. As an example, Checkatrade checks all of its members’

ID, credit status, public liability insurance, qualifications and references. To help ensure that reviews are genuine, Checkatrade has a dedicated team that use various ways to authenticate them. This includes phone calls to a percentage of customers who have left reviews, tracking of IP addresses as well as other methods. Falsifying feedback is strictly forbidden and would result in a tradesperson having their membership to the site suspended or terminated.

IS MY QUOTE FAIR?

It’s always best to obtain a few different quotes – you may be surprised at the variation in prices. Comparing these quotes will help you to decide if you’re getting a fair price. Don’t rely on a verbal quote – get it in writing, and make sure that each quote is for exactly the same work. You should also ask for a breakdown, with materials, labour and any additional costs all detailed

individually so that you can see how the total has been calculated. Be cautious of a quote that seems too good to be true – it may be that the tradesperson doesn’t have the necessary skills or experience.

WHAT SHOULD A QUOTE INCLUDE?

A fixed total price for the job A detailed breakdown of labour and material costs

If the price includes VAT

How long the price is valid for

WHERE CAN I FIND ADVICE ONLINE?

Check out these websites for more information:

WHAT ABOUT GUARANTEES?

To help give you peace of mind, some traders may issue a guarantee for their work, meaning that they will repair, replace or refund goods or services that do not meet the specifications. Guarantees are usually valid for a certain period of time, and there will be conditions, so always read the small print.

A warranty is a form of insurance policy that provides cover for the failure or breakdown of goods, usually after the trader’s guarantee has run out. You will normally have to pay for a warranty, so check all the terms and conditions carefully before you commit.

DO I NEED PERMISSION OR APPROVAL?

Don’t forget to check if your project requires planning permission before you go ahead with any work. Even small improvements such as replacing a window may need building regulations approval, although if you hire a contractor who is registered with a ‘competent person scheme’ and approved by the government, you shouldn’t have to apply for building regulations approval yourself.

Checkatrade has a dedicated team that use various ways to check reviews are genuine