Choosing the right tradesman

Shoddy workmanship, long delays, and soaring costs are all unnecessary stresses that can be avoided by choosing a reputable and qualified tradesman.

That's why it's good to get a recommendation from someone you know who's had a good experience.

But to be totally confident in who you choose, you must vet them yourself.

Homeserve approved tradesmen can always answer “yes” to the following questions, and so should any reputable firm:

  • Are they well established?
  • Can they provide references that you can check yourself?
  • Will they provide a written quote that states everything the work will entail; labour, parts, materials, start dates, completion dates and payment terms?
  • Do they have a registered business address and a free phone number that will be answered 24-hours a day?
  • Can you pay by credit card? This is important because it may give you extra protection against fraud.
  • Is the work guaranteed?
  • Do they carry public liability insurance? This is essential in case there is an accident.
  • Do they have a complaints procedure?

Warning Signs

It's all very well knowing what to check, but you also need to be alert to signs of substandard tradesman:

  • Have they approached you directly? It's a good rule of thumb that reputable tradesmen are too busy working to be touting for jobs
  • Has their trade organisation even heard of them?
  • They will only give you a mobile number
  • They seem unwilling to put anything in writing
  • They can't give a firm quote
  • They offer a discount for cash payment
  • The quote seems too good to be true - it probably is

What to do if something goes wrong

If you don't think the work was up to standard:

  • Call the company immediately and give them some time to put it right
  • Follow the company's complaints procedure
  • If you think the materials used were inferior, the tradesman is liable
  • Even if a tradesman has used a subcontractor, they are still liable
  • Call your credit card company if you paid with a card; you may have additional protection.
  • If you don't get anywhere with the tradesman, get in touch with your local Trading Standards office
  • You can make a claim against a tradesman in the “small claims court” as a last resort. Her Majesty's Courts Service provides useful advisory leaflets about making a claim.
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The purpose of this section of the website is to provide homeowners with only general guidance and useful tips on 18/08/06. It does not necessarily deal with every important topic or cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals.  It is not designed to provide professional advice and should not be relied on as such. 

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