If you are in need of building work, whether for a new build, renovation or even a repair, it is a good idea to choose a tradesman with a good reputation. However, finding the right one can be daunting and choosing the wrong person can lead to long-term problems and thousands of pounds of damage.
One of the first things you should do is to check the member status of the tradesman, which you can do this by looking online. Trade directories are a good way to find out if the tradesman you are considering is registered. This can take just a few minutes and should save you a lot of hassle. A website should have a list of all the companies and individuals that are members of the scheme, as well as reviews from previous customers.
A government-approved membership scheme should include a recognised alternative dispute resolution process. For larger projects, a contract should be drawn up that includes a clear scope of work and an individual cost for each part of the project. Also, ask for a guarantee.
Tradesmen should have insurance to cover you if they are injured on your property. Public liability insurance is also a must for any tradesmen. It is important to note that insurance can be obtained for the entirety of a project, not just the cost of the labour.
Some tradesmen specialise in one or two areas of construction. So, for example, a general contractor may not be able to carry out the same type of work as an expert plumber, and for job like a roof repairs, a specialist roofer might be your best option. Getting a quote from each tradesman is a great way to find a tradesman that fits your needs, but be wary of tradesmen that add extra costs to the quote. Always get a written quote that can be referenced in the event that extra costs are incurred.
The Federation of Master Builders estimates that up to 2 million British homeowners have experienced problems with a tradesman after being paid. They have also reported that about four in ten consumers have experienced poor manners from a tradesman. Fortunately, the FT reports that most bad experiences can be avoided by doing your research.
Another way to find a reliable tradesman is by asking for recommendations. Your local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau can list recommended tradesmen. Alternatively, you can look for tradesmen with positive reviews on the internet, and very often it is these reviews that are the best ways to avoid hiring a dodgy character.
With all building work you should always get a minimum of three quotes, ask to see previous work and discuss it with previous customers. Don’t rely solely on the website or a tradesman’s testimonials to judge their work. Look for reviews that are a mix of positive and negative and ask for references.
Despite all of these factors, cost is still a big factor when you are deciding who to hire. However, it is important to be careful about how much you pay. Often, a low price can result in lower quality work.
Article produced by Websites 4 Trades.